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THE LIFE 



JANE McCREA, 



WITH AX ACCOl'NT OV 



iurgap^'^ fe|eiritiou in 1777 



D. WILSOX. 



NEW YORK: 
BAKER, GODWIN & CO., PRINTERS, 

CORNER NASSAU AND SPRUCE STREETS. 

1853. 






Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S53, by 
DAVID WILSON, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Southern District of New York 



^9i^ 



TO 



WILLIE LOW, 



IN' THE HOPE 



THAT ITS PERUSAL, 



WHEN HE SHALL HAVE PASSED THE AGE OF CHILDHOOD, 



MAY REMIND HIM OF 



THE AUTHOR, 



Fort Edward on the Hudson, 
It was guarded day and night; 
But in the early morning- 
It saw a bitter sight ! 
A bitter sight, and fearful, 
And a shameful deed of blood ! 
All the plain was cleared around, 
But the slopes were thick with wood; 
And a mighty Pine stood there, 
On the summit of the hill, 
And a bright spring rose beneath it, 
With a low and hquid trill; 
And a little way below, 
All with vine-boughs overrun, 
A white-walled cot was sleeping — 
There, that shameful deed was done !" 

Herbert. 



CONTENTS. 



PEEFACE, , . Page ix 

CHAPTER I. 

Introductory — Contradictory Statements — Birth and Parentage 
— Personal appearance and qualities — The Jones Family — Re- 
moval up the Hudson — Mrs. Campbell and her daughter — Da 
vid Jones — The Betrothal — Unforeseen Events — Consequences 
of the war, Page 18 

CHAPTEE 11. 

Early Settlement of the District — Kind Feeling among the Settlers 
— Their Simplicity of Character — The Spirit of the Revolution 
exhibits itself — Its Effects on Social Intercourse — Lingering 
Attachment to Great Britain — Capture of Ticonderoga — ^Excite- 
ment it created — ^The Invasion of Canada — Phillip Schuyler — 
John McCrea joins the Patriots — John and Daniel Jones, the 
Royalists — David Jones conceals his Sentiments — Jenny's Fears 
and Anxieties, Page 22 

CHAPTER III. 

John MeCrea returns from Canada — Gloomy prospects of the 
Americans — David Jones joins the British at Crown Point — Re- 
ceives his commission at St. Johns — Accompanies Burgoyne up 
the Lake — The Indians assemble on the Boquet — The war-feast 
and dance — Burgoyne's address — Answer of the Iroquois — The 
pompous proclamation — Its effects in America and England — 
Sketch of Biirgoyne's life — Scattering of the manifestos — Jane 
receives a letter from Jones — The substance of its contents — Le 

Loup, the wolf, , . . Page 3S 

1* 



y[ CONTENTS. 

GHAPTEE lY. 

Lieutenant Jones iissigned to Eraser's Division — Burgoyne ap- 
proaches Ticonderoga — Occupation of Mount Hope and Mount 
Defiance — Origin of the names of the three mountains — Criti- 
cal situation of St. Clair — ^The Council of War — ^Evacuation of 
the Fort — The Conflagration on Mount Independence — ^Flight 
of the Americans — The battle of Ilubbardton — The Patriots de- 
feated — Sketch of the life of Warner — Colonel Hale vindicated 
— Sketch of the life of St. Clair — The American galleys over- 
taken at Skenesborough — Flight towards Fort Edward — Bur- 
goyne halts to refresh his armj', . . . Page 46 

CHAPTEE V. 

Disastrous intelligence — Fugitives arrive at Fort Edward — John 
iMeCrea volunteers — Secluded life of Jane — Her visit to Ar- 
gyle — Mrs. McNiel's family pride — Jane's suspense, on hearing 
of battle of Hubbardton — The mysterious boatman — Freel ar- 
rives with a letter — Its contents — State of the country around 
'Fort Edward — Gloom and disaffection — General Phillip Schuy- 
ler — Sketch of his life — His devoted patriotism — He obstructs 
the roads and streams — John McCrea's arduous labors — Enter- 
tains feelings different from his sister's, . . Page 60 

CHAPTEE YI. 

The March through the wilderness — Obstructions in Woodcreek — 
The Naturalist, Kalm— The battle of Fort Ann— The Expedi- 
tion to Bennington — Sketch of Philip Skene — Burgoyne's con- 
fidence in his representations — Restlessness of the Indians — 
Their excesses — Their appearance in the neighborhood of Fort 
Edward — The Alarm — Flight of the Patriots to Albany— Jenny 
hesitates to accompany her brother — The Earl of Harrington — 
Nephew of Lieutenant Jones — Alexander Freel — Contest be- 
tween duty and affection — Love triumphs. Page 72 



CONTENTS. vii 

CHAPTER VII. 

Kelative position of the Belligerents — David and Solomon Jones at 
Moss Street — The old Military Eoad — Tlie Fountain and the 
Pine — The Alternative — Jenny's visit to Fort Edward — Dis- 
closes her intention to Miss Thompson on the way — Subsequent 
history of the latter — Col. McCrea's anxiety for his sister's re- 
turn — Twice sends a messenger for her — Her interview with 
Freel — Impossibility of Jones visiting Mrs. Mc Mel's — The impla- 
cable hatred of tories entertained by the patriots — The "true 
love" scheme — Jenny resolves to approach the British lines alone 
— The invisible attendants, .... Page 85 

CHAPTEE YIII. 

The murder of the Allen family — Miss Hunter and companions in 
the forest — Consternation of the inhabitants — Duluth sets out 
on his romantic errand — Preparations for the marriage — Jenny 
watches for the signal — Mrs. McMel's account of the massacre 
— Her ignorance of the causes that led to it — Letter of James 
McCrea — Jenny discovers the sign — She sets forth alone to 
meet her lover — She meets Van Vechten's men retreating be- 
fore Le Loup — Her flight back to the house — The capture — 
Mrs. McNiel carried into camp — Her meeting with Fraser — 
Duluth's interference — He claims the right to escort Jenny — 
The contention — The catastrophe, . . . Page 97 



CHAPTER IX. 

The Excitement — Correspondence between Gates and Burgoyne — 
The people aroused — Announcemeiit of the murder in the 
British camp — Its effect on David Jones — Sketch of his subse- 
quent life — The Jones famil}- — The recent claim — Discovery of 
Jenny's body — Evacuation of Fort Edward — The hasty burial — 
Le Loup condemned to death — His pardon — Burgoyne reaches 
the Hudson — ^The defeat at Bennington — Sketch of Gen. Stark 



viii CONTENTS. 

— Affairs in the Mohawk Vallej* — Battle of Oriskany — Retreat 
of St. Leger — The mystery explained — Burgoyne's march to the 
Battenkill — His passage of the Hudson — The first battle of 
BemiTs Heights — Justice to Arnold — Second battle of Bemus 
Heights — Death of Gen. Fraser — Desperation of Arnold — The 
Americans victorious — Burial of Fraser — Burgoyne's retreat — 
The surrender at Saratoga — Jenny's remains exhumed — The re- 
interment at Fort Edward — ^The second exhumation — Their 
present resting-place — The epitaph, . . . Page IIS 

APPENDIX, Page 141 



PREFACE 



There are but few persons of tins generation who have looked 
into our annals, or listened to old men who participated in the 
trials of the Revolution, as they "fought their battles o'er again," 
but have become familiar with the name of Jane McCrea, and 
contemplated with melancholy interest her imhappy fate. Every 
writer who has recorded the events connected with the long and 
tedious struggle for Independence, has not failed to dwell mourn- 
fully upon the tragical occurrence ; and indeed "the story of the 
unfortunate girl," it has been truthfully said "is so interwoven 
in our history that it has become a component part." 

It has happened, however, that these w^riters contradict each 
other in many important particulars. For instance, one grave his- 
torian represents that Lieutenant Jones, on hearing of the mas- 
sacre, "flew to the spot, tore away the leaves and earth, clasped 
the bleeding body in his arms, and, wrapping it in his cloak, bore 
it to a place of secrecy, until he could dispose of it according to his 
affections. He sat by it all night," he adds," in a state of quiet deli- 
rium, now and then rousing himself to a furious determination to 
immolate the first Indian he could find ; but^" the account concludes, 
"they were in their lairs!"* Another, with equal gravity, re- 

* Knapp's Additions to Hinton's History and Topography of the United States 
Vol.l,25S. , ' 



X PREFACE. 

marks, that both parties of Indians who were present at the affair, 
on arriving in camp, were ordered by Burgoyne " to immediate 
execution."* These statements so candidly put forth, yet so unlike 
the facts, were probably drawn from the over-wrought versions 
and exaggerated ballads of the time. 

On the other hand, some modern writers, as if to atone for the 
errors of their predecessors, have endeavored to divest the story 
of all that romantic interest which actually belongs to it. They 
have even gone so far as to assert that she was not murdered by 
the Indians at all, but on the contrary, was shot by a pursuing 
party of Americans. All contemporary evidence, however, 
stamps the assertion as preposterous. Burgoyne instituted an in- 
quiry at Fort Ann, and after a severe examination into all the cir- 
cumstances connected with the affair, condemned the murderer to • 
death: "and he certainly should have suffered an ignominioits.i 
death," was his language, "had I not been convinced that a par-- 
don under the terms which I presented would be more efficacious ; 
than an execution, to prevent similar mischiefs."f He knew the; 
facts, accurately and minutely. He was publicly charged with s 
having "employed murderers," and "with having paid the price: 
of blood." If she had been shot by the Americans, he w^ould not, 
when attempting to escape the odium it had excited against him, 
■and ingeniously laboring to excuse himself in the eyes of the world,i 
liave said that two chiefs " disputed which should be her guard,! 
and in a Jit of savage 2yassion in one, the unhappy woman became the 

victim."X 

It is supposed that there is no person now living who was in; 
Fort Edward or its vicinity at the time of the massacre ; at least 



* Indian War, 114. 

t Burgoyne's reply to Gates's Letter of the 20tb August % Mem. 



PREFACE. xi' 

no one, at that period of sufficient age to comprehend what was 
taking place. They are all gone, and even their immediate de- 
scendants have long since passed the spring and summer into the 
autumn of life. Before the latter, who have listened to the parti- 
culars of the incident from the lips of the surviving actors in the 
tragedy, should be called to sleep with their fathers, it occurred to 
the author that a more detailed and authentic history of the event 
should be written than has yet publicly appeared. He has accord- 
ingly spared no pains in collecting all the information in his power. 
Tlie sources from whence it is derived will sufficiently appear in , 
the body of the work. 

The murder of Miss MeCrea was one of the incidents of Bur- 
goyne's campaign. Her affianced husband accompanied him from 
his arrival at St. John's until his surrender at Saratoga. Her biog- 
raphy is so intermingled with the history of his expedition that it 
was found impossible to separate them. 

In preparing the account of the expedition, numerous historical 
works, both native and foreign, have been consulted ; but the 
" Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution," by Mr. B. F. Lossing, 
has afforded more assistance than any other. To the author of 
that most interesting and estimable book we are under especial 
obligations. The gleaner who went out over the fields of the Re- 
volution, and carefully gathered up what the reapers had left behind, 
has entitled himself to the thanks of his generation and the grati- 
tude of posterity. Circumstances beyond control have made it 
necessary to omit many facts of much interest in regard to the 
expedition, which otherwise would have been added. They will 
yet be supplied, however, should the reception of this volume seem 
to warrant a revised and enlarged edition. 



THE 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA 



CHAPTER I. 

Inti-oductory — Contradictory Statements — Birth and Parentage 
— Personal appearance and qualities — The Jones Family — Re- 
moval up the Hudson — Mrs. Campbell and her daughter — Da- 
vid Jones — ^The Betrothal — Unforeseen Events — Consequences 
of the war. 

In the history of the Revolutionary "War, per- 
haps no single incident is recorded which, at the 
time of its occurrence, created more intense sympa- 
thy, or aroused a spirit of more bitter indignation, 
than the massacre of Jane Mc Crea. The personal 
attractions, and amiable qualities for which the un- 
fortunate maiden was distinguished, as well as the 
peculiar circumstances connected with the tragedy, 
continue to invest the story of her life with a roman- 
tic interest. The poet has made it the theme of his 
touching ballad ; the artist has essayed to mould 
her supplicating form and features, as she knelt 
beneath the uplifted tomahawk of the savage ; 
2 



14 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

while thousands have lingered long at the fountain, 
overshadowed by the venerable pine, near which 
the sanguinary scene was enacted. 

Aside from the sympathy the story has univer- 
sally excited, and the air of sorrowful romarfce that 
surrounds it, its interest is enhanced by the fact, 
that it contributed to the success of our arms in the 
memorable events that followed. Industriously cir- 
culated among the people, somewhat exaggerated 
perhaps, it caused bands of patriots to flock to the 
American camp, determined to resist an enemy 
guilty of such merciless barbarities. How far the 
defeat of Burgoyne at Saratoga may be attributed 
to the indignant feeling thus aroused, has been the 
subject of curious speculation. The exaggerations 
of the Americans on one hand, and the exculpatory 
versions of the British on the other, have given rise 
to many contradictory statements ; but the following, 
drawn from an examination of them all, and also 
from personal interviews with several aged people 
in the vicinit}" whose memories extend back beyond 
that time, is presumed to be the most detailed and 
correct history of her life that has yet appeared. A 
number of the descendants of her family are yet 
living, and to them we are especially indebted for 
particulars relative to her earlier years. 

Jane Mc Crea was born at Lamington, ITew 
Jersey, about the year 1757. Her father, James 
Mc Crea, was a Presbyterian clergyman. He 
was a native of Scotland ; but emigrating shortly 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 15 

previous to her birth, liad settled in ]^ew Jersey, 
where, until his death, he continued to perform the 
duties appertaining to his sacred calling with re- 
markable zeal and ability. At an early age, she 
met with an irreparable loss in the death of her 
mother, whom she never ceased, while living, to 
hold in most affectionate remembrance. 

Some accounts assert that her father remarried ; 
and there is a vague tradition that it was on this 
occasion she was influenced, by motives of a domes- 
tic character, to take her departure from his house. 
This, however, is not entitled to credit ; for certain 
it is, she remained with her surviving parent until 
his death, and, it is said, performed towards him 
every kind and tender office that filial affection 
could suggest. 

At this time she had reached the age of about 
sixteen ; and, however much the various stories rela- 
tive to her subsequent fate may contradict each 
other, all agree that she was a young lady of fine 
accomplishments, great personal attraction, and re- 
markable sweetness of disposition. Her father 
being a man somewhat devoted to literary pursuits, 
she found in his library the means of gratifying a 
natural taste for reading, not enjoyed by many of 
her age in those early times. The serious character 
of the works to which she was thus permitted ac- 
cess, as well as the influence of pious parental 
instruction, had given a religious hue to the current 
of her reflections, and in some measure subdued a 
spirit by nature sprightly and vivacious. 



16 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

The late Mrs. Neilson, of Bemus Heights, who 
was her friend and neighbor, gives this description 
of her personal appearance. " At the time of her 
death, she was of middling stature, finely formed, 
dark hair, and uncommonly beautiful." Gen. Gates, 
also, in a letter addressed to Burgoyne upon the 
subject of Indian cruelties, speaks of her as "a 
young lady lovely to the sight, of virtuous character 
and amiable disposition." She is described by ano- 
ther as " so graceful in manners, and so intelligent 
in features, that she was the favorite of all who 
knew her."* In fine, wherever history has re- 
corded the testimony of those who knew her, she is 
spoken of in the language of admiration. 

Among her father's neighbors in New Jersey, 
was the family of Jones, consisting of a widow and 
six sons, Jonathan, John, Dunham, Daniel, David, 
and Solomon. A close intimacy existed between 
the families, which had been of long and uninter- 
rupted continuance. From infancy the children 
had been playmates ; and as they grew to maturity, 
and went abroad into the world to prepare homes 
for themselves, the friendships of youth were not 
forgotten. 

John Mc Crea, brother of Jenny, was one of 
those hardy adventurers who, at an early period, 
pressing forward beyond the borders of civilization, 
erected their rude habitations in the wilderness. 
Arrived at the age of manhood, with a family grow- 

* Lossing's Field Book, vol. i, p. 99, note. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. l7 

ing up around him, he began to consider the pros- 
pects before him. The acquisition of cheap, wild 
lands, which would increase in value as his children 
advanced in years, suggested itself as the surest 
project of securing to them ultimately a respectable 
competence. Disregarding the laborious life to 
which it would necessarily subject himself, he re- 
solved to undertake it. Turning away from the 
scenes of his youth, he ascended the Hudson, and 
following the " great pass between the French and 
English settlements in North America," established 
himself on the right bank of that river, a few miles 
south of Fort Edward. Here, having cleared a 
small space, and constructed a simple dwelling, he 
entered upon the task of subduing those ancient 
forests, which have since given place to stately 
mansions and cultivated fields. 

A short time subsequently, through his influence 
undoubtedly, the Jones family also ascended the 
Hudson, and settled a few miles north of him on the 
same shore of the river. The elder sons, soon after 
marrying, located in the vicinity, — Daniel, whose 
name has since become somewhat conspicuous, ob- 
taining a large tract of land, near the place now 
known as Moss street, in the town of Kingsbury. 
John also selected a residence in its immediate 
neighborhood; while David and Solomon, youngest 
of the sons, remained at the homestead with their 
mother. 

Among the friends and associates of Jenny's 



18 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

youth, besides the Joneses, was a Miss Campbell, of 
the city of New York. Her father was a seafaring 
man, and in one of his voj^ages was swept overboard 
and lost, during a violent tempest off the Irish 
coast. Mrs. Campbell soon after married a Mr. 
Mc Kiel, who also died at sea. After this event she 
removed with her daughter to an estate, owned by 
him, covering part of the present site of the village 
of Fort Edward. She was born and bred among 
the Highlands of Scotland, and connected both by 
blood and marriage with many of the most distin- 
guished families in her native country. Mrs. Mc 
'Niel was a woman who had visited many lands, and 
who was possessed of an exhaustless fund of inter- 
esting intelligence, but was more remarkable per- 
haps for extreme corpulency, than for any peculiar 
characteristic. 

When Jane Mc Crea, therefore, was left an or- 
phan, at the age of sixteen, the most intimate of her 
friends and the nearest of her kindred were just 
established in their new abodes on the upper waters 
of the Hudson. Though at that time it was indeed 
an uninviting region, the ties of friendship and con- 
sanguinity would naturally conspire, in her lonely 
situation, to turn her attention thitherward. An 
attraction, however, stronger than these induced 
Jenny to share with gladness the fortunes of her 
brother, and to count as nothing the deprivations of 
a home in the forest. Years before, when they were 
children, playing about the doors of their old homes 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 19 

ill New Jersey, a mutual affection had grown up 
between her and David Jones, which neither dis- 
tance nor absence w^as able to abate. 

David Jones was one, if tradition describes him 
truly, well calculated to attract attention. Besides 
a handsome and manly form, he possessed an easy 
affability and grace of manner, in striking contrast 
with many a stout, rough-mannered youth, familiar 
only with such lessons of refinement as are taught 
n the solitude of the woods. He is described as a 
young man of exceeding promise, as gay, social, 
brave, and generous, qualities which did not fail to 
render him popular among his companions. That 
his heart overflowed with tenderest emotions towards 
the object of his passion, is evidenced by the vio- 
lence of his grief over her bloody tresses, and the 
sad and melancholy life he ever afterwards led. 

When Jane came to reside with her brother, a 
large portion of their time was passed in each other's 
society. The attachment which had budded in 
childhood soon ripened and expanded into the full- 
blown flower. Whenever she visited her young 
friend. Miss Campbell, at the Fort — whenever she 
sailed upon the river, or galloped on horseback 
along its shores, David was her invariable escort 
and companion. It may be readily supposed, as 
traditionary accounts inform us, that his feet had 
indeed worn a path through the woodland to the 
door of her dwelling, and that he never returned 
from the hunt, or from excursions of business or 



20 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

pleasiire to neighboring settlements, without passing 
it on his way. This does not appear to be entirely 
fictitious, nor even very greatly exaggerated, when 
we consider not only the natural desire a youth of 
his ardent and social temperament would cherish 
to seek the presence of the mistress of his heart, but 
also the further authenticated fact, that among the 
scattered inhabitants for leagues around, it was 
well understood that David and Jenny were be- 
trothed. 

The hardships and inconveniences incident to 
a life in a newly-settled district, were more than 
counterbalanced by the happiness they enjoyed. 
As the day approached which was to witness the 
consummation of their hopes by the ceremonial of 
marriage, they gave themselves up to delightful an- 
ticipations. In the morning of life, full of health 
and vigor, confident in the knowledge of reciproca- 
ted affection, and unconscious of impending danger, 
there was indeed no apparent reason why they 
should not indulge the most sanguine dreams. 

Events, however, were close at hand, they had 
not foreseen. This fat^^l region, which, a few years 
previous, had been the *' arena upon which most o-f 
the battles for the mastery of the colonies had been 
contested," was destined again to become the 
theater of strife, — its woods and valleys to re- 
sound once m^ore with the war-whoop and the fierce 
clang of arms ; and in the savage tumult, God had 
ordered that the paths of this affianced pair should 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 21 

separate, — one passing, througli an awful scene of 
violence, down the valley of death ; the other, a 
crazed and melancholy man, down the more fearful 
valley of his life. 
2* 



22 LIFE OF JANE McOEEA. 



CHAPTER II. 

Early Settlement of the District — Kind Feeling among the Settlers 
—Their Simplicity of Character— The Spirit of the Revolution 
exhibits itself— Its Effects on Social Intercourse— Lingering 
Attachment to Great Britain — Capture of Ticonderoga — Excite- 
ment it created — The Invasion of Canada — Phillip Schuyler — 
John McCrea joins the Patriots — John and Daniel Jones, the 
Royalists — David Jones conceals his Sentiments — Jenny's Fears 
and Anxieties. 

Notwithstanding the territory in the neighbor- 
hood of Fort Edward had been the scene of extensive 
military operations for many years, in consequence 
of its proximity to the French frontiers and the 
avarice of provincial governors,* it remained a com- 
parative wilderness till the period of the Revolution. 
" The great carrying place " is frequently mentioned 
in our earliest annals, but chiefly as the only ob- 
stacle preventing a continuous water communication 
from Canada southward to the sea. An eminent 
American author,f in a work which has immortal- 
ized his name, describing the situation of this par- 
ticular district during the third year of the French 
and Indian war, uses the following language : — 
"While the husbandman shrank back from the 

* Fitch's History of Washington County. f Cooper. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 23 

dangerous passes, within the safer boundaries of the 
more ancient settlements, armies larger than those 
that had often disposed of the sceptres of the mother 
countries, were seen to bury themselves in these for- 
ests, whence they never re-issued but in skeleton 
bands, that were haggard with care, or dejected by 
defeat. Though the arts of peace were unknown to 
this deadly region, its forests were alive with men ; 
its glades and glens rang with the sounds of martial 
music; and the echoes of its mountains threw back 
the laugh or repeated the wanton cry of many a 
gallant and reckless youth, as he hurried by them, 
in the noontide of his spirits, to slumber in a long 
night of forgetfulness." 

Immediately following the treaty of peace, con- 
cluded in 1763, by the terms of which the English 
became masters of Canada, the settlement of the 
country steadily advanced. Discharged soldiers re- 
turning to their homes, and who had not failed to 
observe the fertile lands along the Hudson, now no 
longer apprehensive of barbarous molestation, ga- 
thered together their effects, and came from distant 
places to reside upon its shores. While the Dur- 
kees, and Paynes, and others from New England, 
established themselves on the eastern, the western 
side of the river was settled principally by families 
from New Jersey, among whom were the Joneses 
and McGreas. 

The quiet which followed the treaty of Paris, it 
was fondly hoped would be of long continuance. — 



24 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

The excitements of border warfare had wholly sub- 
sided ; the rifle was laid aside for the axe, and the 
sounds of peaceful industry everywhere succeeded 
the cries of terror and the fierce clamor of contend- 
ing enemies. The husbandman went forth to his 
labors, fearing not that he might find his home in 
ashes and his household murdered on his return. — 
There was no longer any apprehension of such cal- 
amities ; and, as the sturdy trees fell before his well- 
directed blows, and the virgin soil received from his 
hands new and unaccustomed seeds, he looked con- 
fidently forward to the time when the harvest might 
be gathered in j)eace. 

Too far separated to admit of interference, re- 
mote from populous towns, and dependent in a great 
measure upon the neighborly kindness of each other, 
a strong friendly feeling bound together, as a band 
of brothers, all these dwellers in the forests. At 
log-rollings and fallow-burnings and house-raisings, 
they came from miles away to render assistance 
without reward. In the evening they gathered 
around the simple board, discoursing of crops, and 
cattle, and prices in the distant market ; or, if their 
thoughts chanced to turn in the direction of the 
past, they recounted the story of the " Bloody 
Run,"* the massacre of Fort William Henry, and 

* Bloody Run is a small stream, affording fine trout-fishing, 
wliich comes leaping in sparkling cascades from the hills, in the 
neighborhood of Fort Miller. It derives its name from the fact, 
that while the English had possession of the Fort in 1759, a party 



LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 25 

many a fearful tragedy of more troublous times, as 
yet fresh within their memories. 

The young people also were accustomed to 
assemble together, coming long distances over the 
hills and through winding wood-paths, to play and 
dance in the light of the flaming logs, that filled the 
capacious fire-place in the log mansion of the settler. 
And if aged matrons can be credited, who are wont 
to recount, with a melancholy sigh, the stories of their 
youth, there was a hearty, unaffected sociality in 
their pastimes, altogether unknown in these degen- 
erate days. They led a simple but happy life, 
ignorant of the luxuries and formalities of their 
descendants. 

The early inhabitants along the Hudson, were 
thus dw^elling together in primitive simplicity, when 
a spirit began to spread abroad in the land, that 
was destined, ere it could be allayed, not only to 
destroy the character of their happy intercourse, but 
to inark an important era in the history of the world. 
Clouds again were gathering in the political horizon, 
that foreboded an approaching storm. Sounds of 
disaffection, at first faint and indistinct, arose from 
the chief towns along the coast, and as they assumed 

of soldiers from the garrison went out on a fishing excursion. 
The hills, now cultivated, were then covered with dense forests, 
and afforded the Indians excellent ambush, A troop of savages 
lying near, sprang silently from their covert upon the fishers, and 
bore off nine scalps before those who escaped could reach the Fort 
and give the alarm. — Lossing's Field Booh, vol. i., p. 94. 



26 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

a more loud and defiant tone, at length penetrated 
to the most remote abodes. New themes began to 
suggest themselves to the contemplation of the peo- 
ple. Those ordinary topics which had hitherto af- 
forded subjects of comment and discussion, were 
dismissed for lengthy disquisitions on the question 
of political rights. In the progress of the contro- 
versy, the minds of men became embittered, and 
friends and neighbors who had dwelt together for 
years in social harmony, began to array themselves 
against each other. 

While many of those to whom we have referred, 
urged by a sense of political oppression, espoused 
the cause of the complaining colonists, others, and 
many of them unquestionably actuated by honorable 
and conscientious motives, still adhered to that royal 
house to which their ancestors had yielded allegi- 
ance. They might indeed have felt aggrieved with 
the unjust legislation to which they were subjected; 
nevertheless they aspired not to political independ- 
ence, but looked earnestly forward to reconciliation 
and redress. They still cherished the love of coun- 
try for which their fathers were distinguished, and 
were proud of their connection with that mighty 
realm, everywhere victorious in arms, and at that 
time the most powerful nation of the earth. The 
magnitude of their grievances was insufficient to 
alienate their afiections altogether from the land of 
whose glorious history they were fain to boast, and 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 27 

in whose soil reposed the ashes of those from whom 
thej were descended.* 

When the scene of agitation, however, was sud- 
denly transferred from the neighborhood of Boston 
to their own immediate vicinity, it was necessary 
for them to assume their distinct position, on one 
side or the other of the controversy. Though there 
were in fact two classes of royalists, the active and 
passive, they were alike regarded by their opponents 
as the enemies of liberty. Previous to the month 
of May, 1Y75, the general attention was directed to 
scenes enacting within the limits of Massachusetts 
Bay. Throughout the sparsely settled districts in 
the interior, the excitement had not arisen to the 
height of violence it had attained in the eastern por- 
tion of that Province. The capture of their neigh- 
bor, Major Skene, of Skenesborough, however, and 
the taking of Ticonderoga and Crown Point, by 
Ethan Allen and Seth Warner, on the tenth and 
twelfth of that month, aroused, as might well be 
supposed, throughout the surrounding region, emo- 

* Dr. Franklin was examined before the British House of Com- 
mons, and in answer to a question proposed to him concerning the 
feeling of the people of America towards Great Britain, replied — 
" They had not only a respect, but an affection for Great Britain, 
for its laws, its customs and its manners, and even a fondness for 
its fashions that greatly increased the commerce. Natives of Brit- 
ain were always treated with particular regard, and to be an Old 
JEnglandman was of itself a character of some respect, and gave a 
kind of rank among us." —Examination of Franklin before the 
House of Commons, in relation to the Stamp Act. 



28 I^IFE OF JANE McCREA. 

tions of the most intense and exciting character. — 
The design of the expedition, and the expedition 
itself, had been kept a profound secret as far as pos- 
sible. It had not received the avowed sanction of 
any public body. The whole plan was of a private 
nature, having the tacit approbation only of the As- 
sembly of Connecticut. 

While, therefore, the Continental Congress, then 
in session at Philadelphia, received the news of this 
unexpected and bold adventure with some degree 
of alarm, those residing near the captured fortresses 
were utterly overwhelmed. The intelligence that 
Lake Champlain was in possession of the patriots, 
startled them as would a clap of thunder in an un- 
clouded day. Grim-visaged war, so long threatened, 
was come at last, and had shown his wrinkled front 
at their very doors. The husbandman left his fields, 
the mechanic his workshop ; and seizing those arms 
which, during the interval of peace, had rusted on 
the wall, arranged themselves respectively on the 
side they had espoused. 

Before the excitement, produced by the capture 
of Ticonderoga, was allayed, to wit, in the month of 
June following, the invasion of Canada was deter- 
mined upon. By a resolution of Congress, General 
Schuyler was appointed to the command of the ex- 
pedition. Three thousand men from JSTew England 
and New York, were designed for this service, and 
fifty thousand dollars in specie voted to defray ex- 
penses. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 29 

Scliuyler was at Kew York when this important 
command was entrusted to him. He hastened at 
once to Ticonderoga to make the necessary arrange- 
ments for the enterprise, and on his way thither, up 
the Hudson, exerted his utmost influence to in- 
crease the excitement ah'eady existing among the 
settlers. He inflamed their minds with repetitions 
of the wrongs imposed upon them, in glowing and 
indignant terms ; everywhere infusing into the 
hearts of his countrymen, a portion of that patriotic 
spirit that burned in his own bosom. 

From the commencement of difficulties, John 
McCrea leaned to the patriot side. As the absorb- 
ing questions of the day were more and more dis- 
cussed among his neighbors, he became, at length, 
the advocate and champion of their cause. And 
now, when armed men were following Montgomery 
ov^er the " Great Path " to Canada, he was found 
among them. When the call to arms first rang 
through the settlements of Saratoga, none obeyed it 
more readily than John McCrea, and his less for- 
tunate acquaintance, Joseph Bettys.* 

* Joseph Bettys, or, as he "was better known in those days, 
" Joe Bettys," was an ardent whig at the opening of the war. He 
was a native of Saratoga County, and fought bravely in the attack 
upon Quebec. He was also on board the Washington galley, com- 
manded by General Waterbury, in the desperate naval action be- 
tween Arnold and the British fleet on Lake Champlain, Oct. 13tb, 
17*76, and was taken prisoner and carried to Canada. While a 
captive he was induced to join the royal standard, and was made 
an ensign. He afterwards became notorious as a spy, and having 



30 LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 

McCrea, however, was not accompanied on this 
occasion, by any of the sons of widow Jones. His 
old companions, more particularly John and Daniel, 
who resided at Kingsbury, were conspicuous tories, 
and had rendered themselves obnoxious on that ac- 
count. The entire family were regarded as friendly 
to the royal cause ; though Jonathan and David, as 
yet, remained uncommitted to either side. The 
motives that induced the latter to suppress the sen- 
timents he entertained in common with his elder 
brethren, can easily be conceived. John McCrea 
had imbibed the strong prejudices and animosities 
prevalent in his time ; and no tory, whether he came 
to woo his sister, or on any other errand, would have 
found a welcome in his house. Already he was es- 
tranged from John and Daniel Jones, denouncing 
them in unmeasured language, as the enemies of 
freedom, notwithstanding they had been the play- 
mates of his youth, and the closest of his companions 
in later years. 

David, however, continued his visits, as usual, 
though he was not received by the patriot with that 
cordiality with which he was wont to greet him. — 

been taken on one occasion by the Americans, was conducted to 
the gallows. He was, however, reprieved by Washington, at the 
instance of his friends, especially his aged and venerable parents, 
on condition of his no more aiding the enemies of America. But, 
false to his promise, he immediately rejoined the British; and for 
years his incendiarism and cold-blooded murders, made his name 
a terror in the region of his former residence. Finally, in 1*782, he 
was retaken, and executed at Alban}^, as a spy and traitor. 



LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 3f 

Anxious to avoid a rupture which might interfere 
with the successful prosecution of his suit, he was 
cautious in the declaration of his sentiments. In 
fact, in the presence of his prospective brother-in- 
law, he feigned rather than otherwise, to coincide 
with him in opinion. Nevertheless, he was a royal- 
ist at heart, and secretly determined, if the exigen- 
cies of the times should demand his services, to join 
the standard of his king. 

For more than a year after the actual commence- 
ment of hostilities, he maintained his neutral po- 
sition, taking no part, and to outward appearances 
feeling little interest, in the result of the contest. — 
During that period, however, he had disclosed to 
Jenny his real sentiments. In many a long inter- 
view, he dwelt upon the folly of resisting England, 
characterizing the war as a hopeless rebellion, des- 
tined to a speedy and disastrous termination. He 
deplored the infatuation that had induced her bro- 
ther, not only to espouse an imworthy cause, but 
which had also created a bitterness towards his fa- 
mily, and an evident coldness towards himself. 

For the first time, presentiments of approaching 
trouble began to disturb them. A shadow had 
fallen on their path. The youthful wooer could illy 
brook the restraint imposed on himself; and Jenny's 
imagination thronged with horrors, when he spoke 
of leaving her for a time, to share in the dangers 
and glory of the war. She trembled also for her 
brother's safety, now absent with the northern 



32 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

army. Daily rumors of sieges and battles, exagger- 
ated as they passed from mouth to mouth, overcame 
her with alarm. Withal, she knew not how soon 
the plighted lover of her youth might also be found 
in arms. She knew right well, however, the stand- 
ard he would seek ; and terrible was the thought in- 
deed, that those two, nearest and dearest of all the 
world to her, should ever meet each other in the 
shock of battle. 

Earnestly the dark-haired girl prayed for the re- 
turn of peace ; for the time to come when the sword 
should be laid aside, and " war's alarms " should 
cease. Alas ! she little dreamed that before the 
lapse of another year her name, ringing through 
the land, would arouse indignant men to arms, and 
in the hour of battle add fierceness to the strife. 



LIFE OF JANE McCEEA. 33 



CHAPTER III. 



John Mc Crea returns from Canada — Gloomy prospects of the 
Americans — David Jones joins the British at Crown Point — Re- 
ceives his commission at St. Johns — Accompanies Burgoyne up 
the Lake — ^The Indians assemble on the Boquet — ^The war-feast 
and dance — Burgoyne's address — Answer of the Iroquois — The 
pompous proclamation — Its effects in America and England — 
Sketch of Burgoyne's life — Scattering of the manifestos — Jane 
receives a letter from Jones — The substance of its contents — Le 
Loup, the wolf. 



John Mc Ceea at length returned from the expe- 
dition to Canada, a mortified and dejected man. 
He had braved innumerable dangers, endured in- 
credible hardships, and in the end suffered the 
humiliation of defeat. In common with his friends, 
he had been sorely disappointed in the spirit of the 
people of the North. Instead of being received with 
open arms, as was anticipated, the inhabitants of 
the invaded province opposed them with a perse- 
vering and bloody obstinacy, that the unremitting 
exertions of Montgomery and the headlong courage 
of Arnold could not overcome. He had encoun- 
tered hunger, and fatigue, and danger, and all the 
trials incident to a winter campaign, only to witness 
the fall of his commander, and the slaughter of 



34 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

many brave companions in arms. He returned to 
meet the scoff and scorn of his tory neighbors, and 
to bear the dismal tidings to many a bereaved 
household, that it had lost a husband or father 
beneath the battlements of Quebec. 

The affairs of the Americans, especially in the 
North, presented at this period a gloomy aspect 
indeed. The expedition which, it was warmly 
believed, would secure the co-operation of the Cana- 
dians, had resulted in disaster. In the progress ox 
events, the patriots were not only driven from the 
territory of Canada, but the English had again es- 
tablished themselves in the important fortress of 
Crown Point, and held possession of the northern, 
portion of the Lake. There was much to dispirit 
the resisting colonists in the prospect before them ; 
while toryism lifted high its head, uttering loud 
and confident predictions. 

Such was the situation of affairs, when David 
Jones, late in the autumn of 1776, resolved to re- 
main no longer an inactive spectator of the stirring 
scenes around him. He had heard of the anticipa- 
ted arrival at Quebec of a numerous and well-ap- 
pointed British army, and doubted not but the 
proposed expedition would be crowned with success, 
and that it would terminate at once a foolish and 
unjustifiable rebellion. 

In his conversations with Jane, he dwelt upon 
the absolute certainty of such a result. He de- 
picted the peaceful times that would ensue — a 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 35 

return of those happy days when husbandmen were 
singing in the fields, and before the voices of love 
were drowned by the bitter clamor of contention. 
The feud which had sprung up between members of 
their families, would then cease. Then — so ran the 
current of their hopes, — old friends would re-imite 
over the grave of forgotten animosities, and the 
spirit of good fellowship would return with their 
allegiance to a lawful king. Kone waited with more 
intense anxiety than they, for the coming of a day 
of peace. 

For obvious reasons, they were now accustomed 
to meet at the house of Mrs. Mc Niel, situated a 
short distance from the Fort. Here it was their 
last interview occurred. Jenny's intimacy with 
Miss Campbell afforded sufficient pretext for fre- 
quent visits ; while a similarity of opinion between 
her mother and young Jones, secured for him, at 
all times, a cordial welcome. 

It was with many misgivings and apprehensions 
on the part of the affectionate maiden, that she 
yielded, at length, a reluctant consent to the step 
her lover proposed to take : which was, to give out 
among his neighbors that he intended to join the 
Americans at Ticonderoga, when his real design 
was to pass that fortress, and unite with the oppo- 
sing forces in Canada. In one so high spirited, it is 
to be presumed that some ambitious longings for 
distinction mingled with his more tender emotions. 
His intimate knowledge of the country, through 



36 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

which lay the proposed rout of the invaders, would 
enable him to render profitable service, and perhaps 
afford him an opportunity of securing the favorable 
notice of his commander — possibly of his king. At 
least, it never occurred to him but that he would 
return with a victorious army, destined to suppress 
an audacious rebellion, and to receive the adulation 
of history. 

Having arranged to communicate to each other 
as frequently as opportunity presented, through the 
agency of a man of doubtful patriotism, by the name 
of Alexander Freel, — and having renewed their 
vows, with many earnest assurances of constancy, 
the plighted couple separated, at the house of Mrs. 
Mc ISTiel. Jane returned to her brother's family, 
on the opposite shore of the river ; while David in 
company with his brother Jonathan, and some sixty 
others, set out for the North, representing, to the 
patriots at least, that they were on their way to 
join the garrison at Ticonderoga. 

The whole party, however, either as originally 
intended, or influenced by the persuasive eloquence 
and flattering representations of the brothers Jones, 
who were the leading spirits of the little company, 
avoided Ticonderoga, and pushing hastily forward 
down the Lake, presented themselves at Crown 
Point, proffering their services to the British officer 
then in command of that place. 

Soon after, they proceeded to St. Johns, where 
they remained until tlie arrival of Burgoyne, in the 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 37 

Spring of 1777. Previous to their departure from 
thence, both brothers were honored with commis- 
sions in the British service, Jonathan as captain, 
and David as lieutenant in the same company. 
They acted in the capacity of pilots and pioneers, — 
a service they were eminently enabled to perform, 
from a familiar acquaintance with localities in the 
contemplated route of the invading forces. 

The detachment under St. Leger, having de- 
parted upon its destination to the valley of the Mo- 
hawk, the main body, consisting of upwards of seven 
thousand men, sailed from St. Johns on the first of 
June. Halting a short time, to collect a quantity of 
stores, at Cumberland Head, a spot since rendered 
famous in our naval history, as the scene of Mc 
Donough's victory, the formidable armament pro- 
ceeded to a point on the west shore of the Lake, a 
number of leagues farther to the south. 

Here, in the gloom of a thick forest, on the 
banks of the Boquet, a small, romantic river that 
comes bubbling down from the lofty mountains on 
the west, Burgoyne directed his army to encamp. 
At this spot, he awaited the arrival of those savage 
allies which the mistaken and cruel policy of 
England had instructed him to employ. Extensive 
preparations were made for their reception ; here 
was to be held the grand council, and here were the 
dusky warriors to be entertained with a war-feast, 
after the manner of their tribes. 

It is but justice to the memory of Burgoyne, and 
3 



38 I^IFE OF JANE McCREA. 

still more to the memory of Carleton, Governor of 
Canada, to record the fact that both of them were 
averse to the employment of these barbarians. 
Their former experience had taught them that their 
presence was an encumbrance rather than otherwise. 
The extreme repugnance of the Governoi to such a 
measure, has been assigned as one of the principal 
causes of his not being entrusted with the conduct 
of the campaign. His ambitious rival yielded 
more readily to the ^positive instructions of the 
ministry, though it is apparent from the tenor of 
his speech on the shore of the Boquet, that he dis- 
countenanced the thought of indiscriminate blood- 
shed. His fatal error, not only on this but subse- 
quent occasions, sprang from an overweening 
confidence in his own influence — an influence he 
vainly flattered himself was sufiiciently powerful to 
restrain the ferocious spirit of the savage, within 
the limit of civilized humanity. 

Headed by a priest of Kome, the chiefs and 
their followers, decked with feathers and hid- 
eous with war-paint, made their appearance in 
camp. They exceeded four hundred in number, 
coming from remote parts of Canada, and were 
chiefly of the tribes of Algonquins, Ottawas, and 
Iroquois. Their arrival was attended with great 
pomp and ceremony. At the feast which followed, 
they sang their traditionary songs, and in exulting 
language, dwelt upon the extent of their history, 
and the ancient glory of their fathers. Frequently 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 39 

they pointed to rude pictures of the deer, the squir- 
rel, and the oak, imprinted on their bodies — the 
armorial devices of their respective tribes. Then 
followed the war-dance, the entire band moving in 
a circle, whooping, brandishing their tomahawks, 
imitating the act of scalping, of lying in ambush, 
the sudden attack, the struggle, the carnage and 
the victory, thus representing how they should 
vanquish the enemies of their great father beyond 
the sea. 

It was the 2l8t of June, that these scenes were 
enacted in the presence of Burgoyne's army. Never 
before had such wild and warlike voices rung 
through the little valley of Boquet. At the con- 
clusion of these ceremonies, the barbarians were 
assembled to listen to the great chief. Burgoyne, 
approaching with a dignified air, and arrayed in 
magnificent uniform, addressed them through an 
interpreter, in a speech remarkable for its singular 
energy and adroitness. 

He explained to them the peculiar character of 
the controversy in which they were about to engage. 
It was not a common enemy whom he was going 
forth to conquer; but, on the contrary, a large 
proportion of the inhabitants of the country, still 
remained faithful to their sovereign. These were 
entitled to and should receive his protection. Old 
men, women, children, and prisoners should be 
spared ; those only who were found in arms should 
be put to death ; those only who were slain in 
battle, should be scalped. 



40 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

" I positively forbid bloodshed," he remarked, 
" when you are not opposed in arms. You shall 
receive compensation for the prisoners you take, but 
you shall be called to account for scalps. In con- 
formity and indulgence of your customs, which have 
affixed an idea of honor to such badges of victory, 
you shall be allowed to take the scalps of the dead 
when killed by your fire and in fair opposition; 
but on no account, or pretense, or subtility, or pre- 
varication are they to be taken from the wounded, 
or even the dying ; and still less pardonable, if pos- 
sible, will it be held to kill men in that condition on 
purpose, and upon a supposition that this protec- 
tion to the wounded would be thereby evaded."* 

He sought to explain to their comprehension, 
the vast difference between a war waged against an 
entire nation, " and the present, in which the faith- 
ful were intermixe 1 with rebels, and traitors with 
friends ;" to excite their ardor in the common cause 
to a degree that should render them an object of 
terror, and at the same time to regulate their pas- 
sions, and repress the natural ferocity of their pro- 
pensities ; while, therefore, he threatened severest 
punishment towards those who should molest the 
aged, the helpless, and the prisoner, or who upon 
any pretext or provocation should scalp a living 
enemy, he also, in the same speech, gave utterance 
to language such as this — '' Go forth in the might 

* Extract from Burgoyne's Speech on the Boquet, June 21, 
1777. 



LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 41 

of jour valor, and your cause; strike at the com- 
mon enemies of Great Britain and of America, 
disturbers of public order, peace and happiness, 
destroyers of commerce, parricides of the state." 

When he had concluded this ingenious address, 
intermingled with much flattering commendation of 
their enterprise, constancy and perseverance, which 
we have omitted to transcribe, a chief of the Iro- 
quois deliberately arose to reply. Had Lieutenant 
* Jones been permitted, at that moment, to have fore- 
seen events, he could not have maintained the com- 
posure with which he watched the unusual scene. 
After a brief silence, the savage stretched forth his 
hand — the same hand that afterwards clutched the 
long, disheveled hair of Jane McCrea — and said : 

" I stand up in the name of all the nations pres- 
ent, to assure our father that we have attentively 
listened to his discourse. We receive you as our 
father, because when you speak we hear the voice 
of our great father beyond the great lake. We 
rejoice in the approbation you have expressed of 
our behavior. We have been tried and tempted 
by the Bostonians ;* but we loved our father, and 
our hatchets have been sharpened upon our affec- 
tions. In proof of the sincerity of our professions, 
our whole villages able to go to war, are come 
forth. The old and infirm, our infants and wives, 
alone remain at home. With one common assent, 

* Massachusetts loyalists, whom he confounded with the 
patriots. 



42 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

we promise a constant obedience to all you have 
ordered and all jou shall order ; and may the Father 
of Days give yon many, and success I""^ 

Burgoyne had the credulity to rely upon these 
promises, albeit to his shame and sorrow. Their 
ferocity was aroused as soon as their nostrils snuffed 
the first scent of blood, and all the restraints impo- 
sed upon them with such elaborate formality, were 
like ropes of sand. In the hour of triumph they 
marred the glory of his achievements with their 
butcheries ; in the hour of his sorest need, they de- 
serted him like cowards. 

From this vicinity, on the 29th of June, Bur- 
goyne sent forth that famous proclamation by which 
he thought to overawe the Americans with exagger- 
ated statements of the number of Indians accom- 
panying him, and their eagerness to be let loose 
upon them. "I have but to give stretch to the 
Indian forces under my direction, and they amount 
to thousands, to overtake the hardened enemies of 
Great Britain and America. I consider them the 
same, wherever they may lurk. "To those who con- 
tinued quietly to pursue their occupations, he prom- 
ised security and protection; those who persisted in 
rebellion, he threatened with terrible vengeance; 
and, as if to inspire the enemy with a sense of his 
vast consequence and overshadowing power, he 
commenced his swaggering manifesto as follows : — 
" By John Burgoyne, Esquire, Lieutenant General 

* Burgoyne's "State of the Expedition," <fec. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 43 

of his Majesty's forces in America ; Colonel of the 
Queen's regiment of Light Dragoons ; Governor of 
Fort William Henry, in Korth Britain ; one of the 
Commons of Great Britain in Parliament ; and com- 
manding an army and fleet, employed on an expe- 
dition from Canada."* 

* " John Burgoyne was said to have been a natural son of 
Lord Bingley ; some, however, think that he had still more impor- 
tant relations. In 1*762 he had a command in Portugal, and was 
at the capture of the garrison of Almeida, on which occasion he 
distinguished himself. After his return to England, he was chosen 
a member of Parliament, for Preston, in Lancashire. He came to 
America in 1775, and was at Boston at the time of the battle of 
Bunker Hill. The same year he was dispatched to Canada, and 
the year following returned to England. 

He was gallant, gay, learned, and eloquent. In the full sun- 
shine of patronage, he had taken command of the northern army, 
and indulged the hope of a brilliant campaign. The fates were 
against him, and he was obliged to give up all his splendid visions 
of glory, and pi'cpare to defend himself before his king and country. 
In this he was able ; and one would think that he had offered a 
sufficient excuse for every thing but his ignorance of the foe he was 
to meet. The ministers were mortified and distressed at his unex- 
pected failure, and to turn the popular indignation from themselves, 
they sacrificed their favorite. They ordered him to return forth- 
with to England as a prisoner ; but this was not insisted on ; yet he 
was obliged to resign his emoluments, which were considerable. 
He was still returned to Parliament, and joined the opposition to 
the continuance of the war, contending that America would pre- 
vail. From the peace of 1783, he lived a retired life, until the 4th 
of August, 1792, when he died, as it was stated in the papers of that 
day, of an attack of the gout. An American royalist, who was 
in England, and resided within a few doors of his dwelling, stated 
that he fell by his own hand, a prey to disappointment and neglect 
There never arose a man in Great Britain, who for a time held so 



44 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

The only effect of this pompous array of titles, 
and these merciless threats of vengeance, was to 
render him an object of ridicule among his enemies, 
and to bring down upon his head the animadver- 
sions of his friends. "From the manner in which 
he has arrayed his titles," says Dr. Thatcher, in his 
Military Journal, " we are led to suppose that he 
considers them as more than a match for all the 
military force we can bring against him ;" and 
Botta, alluding to it, remarks, ''This manifesto, so 
little worthy the general of a civilized nation, was 
justly censured, not only in the two houses of Par- 
liament, and throughout Great Britain, but excited 
the indignation of every generous mind in all 
Europe." 

Copies of this proclamation were scattered far 
and wide. One of those who set out from camp to 
circulate them in the vicinity of Fort Edward, car- 
ried a letter to Jane Mc Crea, from Lieutenant 
Jones, which, through Freel's assistance, in due 
time, reached its destination. Prudence demanded 
the destruction of this epistle, but the fact of its re- 
ception was communicated to Mrs. Mc Niel, through 
whom the substance of its contents has been pre- 
served. 

many important offices, and on whom so mueli reliance was placed, 
©f whom the world knew so little. A mystery hung about him 
from the cradle to the grave, and that, too, in a country where 
there are but few secrets of any domestic or political nature." — 
Note to HintorCs " History and Topography of the United States" 
vol. i., p. 26S. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 45 

He recounted in it his adventures from the time 
of their separation ; described the splendid appear- 
ance of the army as they sailed up the Lake, the 
arrival of the Indians on the Boquet, the war feast 
and dance ; sketched the dignified manner in which 
Burgoyne delivered his address, and the equally 
dignified demeanor of the savage who made reply. 
As she pondered over the description of the latter, 
and smiled, perhaps, as his grotesque figure present- 
ed itself to her imagination, it was well that the 
Almighty had not given her to know, that the light 
of her young life would go out beneath the stare of 
that same grim and painted savage, upon whom 
the old followers of Montcalm, had appropriately 
bestowed the appellation of Le Loup — the wolf ! 
3* 



46 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Lieutenant Jones assigned to Eraser's Division — Burgoyne ap- 
proaches Ticonderoga — Occupation of Mount Hope, and Mount 
Defiance — Origin of the names of the three mountains — Criti- 
cal situation of St, Clair — The Council of War — Evacuation of 
the Fort — The Conflagration on Mount Independence — ^Flight 
of the Americans — The battle of Hubbardton — ^The Patriots de- 
feated — Sketch of the life of Warner — Colonel Hale vindicated 
— Sketch of the life of St. Claii* — ^The American galleys over- 
taken at Skenesborough — Flight towards Fort Edward — Bur- 
goyne halts to refresh his army. 

Lieutenant Jones, upon receiving his commis- 
sion, was assigned to the division under Brigadier 
General Fraser, Commander of the Grenadiers and 
Light Infantry.* This brave but unfortunate Gen- 
eral, who was slain in the battle of Saratoga, and 
whose ashes still repose upon the summit of a 
mountain within the " great redoubt,'' where they 
were deposited in obedience to his dying wish, was 
an own cousin and intimate acquaintance of Mrs. 
Mc Niel.f 

His division, upon the departure of the royal 
army from Crown Point, where it had halted for 
three days, to establish a magazine and hospital, 
moved along the west bank of the lake in the direc- 

* Lossing, i., 98. f Neilson, p. 71. 



LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 47 

tion of Ticonderoga. The German reserve, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Breymau, at the same time ad- 
vanced along the east shore ; while the remaining 
forces, under Burgoyne himself, on board the frig- 
ates Royal George, the Inflexible, and several gun 
boats, sailed up the lake between the two wings on 
land. 

Instead of making a direct assault upon Fort 
Ticonderoga, as its American Commander, St. Clair, 
expected, and under the circumstances desired, 
Generals Phillips and Fraser proceeded to take 
possession of Mount Hope, thus depriving the patri- 
ots of all supplies from the direction of Lake George. 
Such was the activity and energy displayed, that 
on the 4th of July Fraser's whole corps occupied 
Mount Hope : the post was well fortified with 
artillery, and supplied with ammunition and stores. 

Across the bay, at the outlet of Lake George, in 
a southwest direction from the fort, arose Sugar 
Loaf Hill, its lofty summit overlooking all the 
country round. Lieutenant Twiss, Chief Engineer, 
having reconnoitered it, reported that it completely 
commanded not only the whole promontory of 
Ticonderoga, but also the works on Mount Indepen- 
dence, a less elevated height upon the eastern shore. 
He reported also, that though difficult, a road to the 
top of Sugar Loaf, suitable for the conveyance of 
cannon, was practicable, and might be made in the 
course of twenty-four hours. Accordingly, eight 
twelve-pounders, eight-inch howitzers, &c., were 



48 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

landed from the Thunderer, wliicli carried the battery 
train, and stores. During the night of the 4th, the 
soldiers labored with incredil)le energy, and with such 
secrecy and success that by sunrise on the morning of 
the 5th, to the utter astonishment of the Americans, 
heavy artillery, surroundea by a scarlet host, crowned 
the bald summit of the Hill. As the British looked 
down upon the appalled enemy beneath, their cheers, 
hearty and prolonged, filled the clear morning air 
with clamorous confusion. Confident in a sense of 
their impregnable position, and of the inability of 
any power to dislodge them, they gave the name of 
Mount Defiance to Sugar Loaf Hill — a name by 
which it has ever since been designated.* 

General St. Clair had not deemed it necessary or 
perhaps possible, to occupy this formidable position. 
In the more modern warfare of the country, it 
would not have been neglected a single hour. "This 
sort of contempt for eminences, or rather dread of 
the labor of ascending them, might have been 
termed the besetting weakness of the warfare of the 
period. f It originated in the simplicity of the In- 
dian contests, in which, from the nature of the 
combats, and the density of the forests, fortresses 
were rare, and artillery next to useless. The care- 
lessness engendered by these usages, descended even 
to the war of the Revolution, and lost the States the 
important fortress of Ticonderoga, opening a way 

* Lossing's Pic. Field Book, vol. i, p. 134, note. 
1 176V. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 49 

for the army of Burgoyne, into what was then 
the bosom of the country. We look back at this 
ignorance or infatuation, whichever it may be called, 
with astonishment, knowing that the neglect of an 
eminence whose diflficulties, like those of Mount 
Defiance, had been so greatly exaggerated, would 
at the present time prove fatal to the reputation of 
the engineer who had planned the works at their 
base, or that of the general whose lot it was to 
defend them."* 

Meanwhile, Major General Reidisel, who, with the 
German division had encamped at Three Mile Point, 
pushed forward a detachment along the east shore 
of the lake opposite the fort, as far as East Creek, a 
stream that flows into Cham plain, along the northern 
base of Mount Independence.f 

Fort Ticonderoga was situated upon a sharp 
point of land at the junction of the waters of the 
two lakes. A somewhat correct idea of its situation 
perhaps, might be obtained, by describing it as the 
center of a triangle, of which Mounts Hope, Inde- 
pendence and Defiance are the angles. The British 
fleet was anchored just beyond reach of the Ameri- 
can guns : the British lines extended on one side to 

* Cooper. 

f Mount Independence received its name from the troops sta- 
tioned there on the 18th July, ITVO, — the day the news arrived, 
by courier, of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. 
Mount Hope was christened by General Fraser, from the fact that 
he entertained the hope^ on ascending it, of being able to dislodge 
the Americans. 



50 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

East Creek, on the other, from the lake to Mount 
Hope and from thence to Mount Defiance ; so that, 
save a narrow passage towards the south, the Am- 
ericans were entirely surrounded. Only the ground 
between East Creek and what, at that day, was 
termed South River remained open ; and this. Gen- 
eral St. Clair was informed, would be occupied next 
^^J? ^y pushing the German detachments across 
East Creek in the rear of Independence, so that the 
investment would then be complete.* 

The situation of the Americans was now at its 
crisis. "With the enemy looking down into the 
fortress ; without hope of succor ; without provisions 
to sustain a siege ; and with a force insufficient 
to withstand an attack ; about to be hemmed in on 
every side ; St. Clair seemed, for the first time, to 
awaken to a sense of the perils that environed 
him. 

He called a council of war, and having pre- 
sented these alarming facts, proposed to evacuate 
the place without delay, a step which prudence 
should have dictated before, and for the neglect of 
which, he has received the condemnation of his- 
tory.f That nothing could now save the troops but 
evacuation, seemed palpable to the officers of the 
council, and they agreed at once to the proposition 
of the commander. The determination of the council, 
however, was concealed from the troops until the 

* Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. i., p. 190. 
f Botta, vol. i., p. 456. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 51 

evening order was given, inasmuch as every move- 
ment by daylight would be discovered from the 
heights of Mount Defiance. 

The usual quiet, therefore, was maintained within 
the fort, until the darkness of the night had hidden 
them from the eyes of those who rested on the 
adjacent hills. Then commenced the preparation 
for retreat. Two hundred batteaux were loaded with 
baggage, ammunition, and stores — the cannon that 
could not be removed were spiked ; each soldier 
provided himself with several days' provision ; every 
light was extinguished — every tent was struck. 
After midnight, the garrison moved silently down 
the descent to the water side, and unperceived 
crossed the bridge to Mount Independence. The 
two hundred batteaux, preceded by a convoy of ^ve 
armed galleys, under Colonel Long, glided up the 
narrow channel, and noiselessly disappeared within 
the shadows of the mountains. 

The pale light of the moon did not disclose the 
movements of the Americans. The sound from the 
direction of Mount Defiance indicated that a thou- 
sand warriors were reposing on its rugged summit. 
The cannonading that was kept up towards Mount 
Hope, for the purpose of allaying suspicion, gradu- 
ally became less frequent, and finall}^ ceased alto- 
gether. Darkness and silence rested upon the 
water and the land. It was evident that the wari- 
ness of their movements, had eluded the most 



52 I^IFE OF JANE McCREA. 

watchful of the enemy's sentinels. It was arranged 
that the main body, proceeding by the way of Oas- 
tleton, should join the batteaux at Skenesborough, 
then an inconsiderable hamlet at the Falls of Wood 
Creek. Elated with success thus far, the flying sol- 
diers were congratulating themselves with the as- 
surance that their adroitness had eluded the enemy, 
until such time as they might prefer to encounter 
him under better auspices, and on a more favorable 
field. 

Suddenly, a broad, fierce flame ascended through 
the gloom, from the top of Independence, illumina- 
ting the whole mountain side, and casting its rays 
far out upon the waters. General de Fermoy, com- 
mander of the post, not only with culpable indis- 
cretion, but in violation of express orders, had set 
fire to the house he occupied, as the troops were 
leaving. Conscious of discovery, the republicans 
were thrown into great confusion. In the light of 
the conflagration, the enemy discovered at a glance 
the movement that had taken place, and beheld the 
forms of the Americans, as they fled over the brow 
of the hill, in disordered haste, towards the disas- 
trous field of Hubbardton. 

The moment the retreat was discovered, all was 
bustle and commotion throughout the British lines. 
The surrounding heights, so late the abodes of si- 
lence, resounded with the hum of voices. The can- 
non thundered on Mount Defiance, and forthwith, 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 53 

the startled slumbers on tlie neighboring eminence 
replied to the noisy summons, as when — 

" Jura answers from her misty shroud, 

Back to the joyous Alps, that call to her aloud." 

Gen. Fraser, placing himself at the head of a de- 
tachment of light troops, leaving orders for his brig- 
ade to follow him, hurried across the plain, and en- 
tered the deserted fort. Just as day was breaking in 
the east, the flag of England unfurled its ample folds 
above the walls of Ticondero^a. Without delay he 
hastened over the bridge to Mount Independence, 
and, followed by Reidesel and his Brunswickers, 
pressed eagerly forward in the track of the flying 
patriots. The strong boom upon which the Ameri- 
cans had j)laced so much reliance,* was speedily 
broken through, and soon the whole flotilla, under 
Burgoyne himself, who was on board the Eoyal 
George, swept up the lake in pursuit of the batteaux. 
All was in movement at once, both on land and 
water. 

The following night. General St. Clair, with the 
vanguard of the army, arrived at Castleton, thirty 
miles from Ticonderoga. The rear guard, consisting 
of three regiments, under Colonels Warner, Hale, 
and Francis, halted at Hubbardton, six miles short 
of that place. These, together with stragglers from 
the advanced body, who, from excessive fatigue had 
fallen out of the line of march, and had been picked 
up on the way, amounted to rather more than one 
thousand men.* 

* Marshall, vol. i., p. 191. 



54 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

• 

It was a warm, bright morning, when the battle 
of Hubbard ton commenced.* The first settlement of 
the town, had been made only three years previous, 
and at that time nine families constituted its entire 
population.f Save a few scattered clearings, its 
whole surface was covered with an unbroken forest. 
Upon a table land, surrounded on the south and 
east by lofty hills, the Americans were encamped. 
While breakfasting here, about five o'clock in the 
morning, they were discovered by a party of tory 
scouts, of whom, tradition has it, David Jones was 
one. However that may be, it is certain he was in 
the battle that ensued, and acquitted himself with a 
gallantry that elicited the commendation of his 
superiors. 

Eraser's force was but eight hundred strong, yet, 
fearing the Americans might escape, and expecting 
every moment the arrival of the Germans, he imme- 
diately began the attack. There was no time for the 
erection of breastworks. Hastily stationing them- 
selves upon the height of land, the patriots awaited 
the charge in silence. The assault was well received, 
and for a long time the battle raged furiously along 
the slope. Presently it was discovered that Earl 
Balcarras and his grenadiers, who had been dis- 
patched by Eraser to cover his right wing, had 
gained the Castleton road, thus cutting off" retreat in 
that direction. In the meantime. Hale, with his 

* July 1, 1111. 

f Thompson's Gazetteer of Vermont. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 55 

troops, had fled towards Castleton, and meeting a 
party of British soldiers, in number about equal to 
his own, surrendered without resistance. 

Finding themselves in such a fearful strait, the 
remaining regiments fell upon the grenadiers with a 
reckless desperation that the firmest valor was un- 
able to oppose. The grenadiers gave way ; the ad- 
vantage they had gained was lost. Inch by inch 
the British were losing ground. In the midst of the 
fiery tempest, above the roar and clamor of the 
battle, was heard the loud voice of Warner, cheering 
on his men. Victory was almost within the grasp 
of the patriots. 

At that moment, with drums beating and ban- 
ners flying, Reidesel approached. The sound of the 
tumult having reached his ears, unlike St. Clair, he 
hurried the Hessians through the rough forest 
paths to the assistance of their comrades. Immedi- 
ately they were brought into action upon the left. 
At the same time the whole British line made a 
bayonet charge, with terrible efi*ect. Supposing 
themselves overwhelmed by numbers, the Ameri- 
cans became panic-stricken and gave way. The 
brave Francis had fallen at the head of his regiment 
in the thickest of the fray. The voice of Warner 
was unavailing. In vain he called upon his com- 
panions to rally but once again."^ Down the valley 

* Seth Warner was a native of Woodbury, Connecticut. In 
youth he was noted for his skill in hunting. At the age of 29 he 
settled at Bennington, Vermont. He and Ethan Allen were the 



56 LIFE OF JAl^E McCREA. 

towards Castleton, and over the Pitts ford mountains 
they fled like afrighted deer. Frequently, even to 
this day, among broken crags and in remote places 
of the forest, are found rusty muskets which they 
cast from them in the flight. 

Had Warner been sustained by Colonel Hale, 
in all probability the Americans would have secured 
a victory. His retreat and surrender were bitterly 
denounced at the time as acts of cowardice. His- 
tory, however, more dispassionate than in those 
days, begins to regard his memory in a less censur- 
able light. There were mitigating circumstances 
which his cotemporaries overlooked. Feeble with 
a disease which afterwards terminated his life, he 
was totally unfit for active service, as were also 
many of his troops. The truth is, his movement, 
under the circumstances, will be pronounced, when 
impartially scrutinized, to have been an act of wise 

most conspicuous characters who figured in the controversy relative 
to the New Hampshire Grants. On the 9th of March, 1'7'74, an act 
of outlawry was passed against him by the Legislature of New 
York. He was with Allen at the time of the capture of Ticonde- 
roga, and with St. Clair at the time of its evacuation. Receiving 
a colonel's commission from the Continental Congress, he joined 
Montgomery in Canada. After the death of his general, and dis- 
charge of his regiment, he raised another body of troops, and 
marched to Quebec, and covered the retreat of the Americans from 
Canada to Ticonderoga. He was aid of General Stark at the battle 
of Bennington, and afterwards joined Gates at Stillwater. Failing 
in health, he retired, soon after, to the place of his nativity, where 
he died in 1785, aged forty years. In gratitude for his signal ser- 
vices, Vermont bestowed upon his wife and children a valuable 
tract of land.- — See Allen! s American Biography. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 57 

precaution, rather than of cowardly alarm. While 
a prisoner, he wrote the commander-in-chief, re- 
questing him to procure his exchange, in order that 
he might vindicate his character by a court-martial, 
but died before it could be accomplished, going 
down to the grave overwhelmed with the calumny 
of unsuccessful rivals. 

But history has not yet forgiven the disastrous 
inactivity, and equivocal conduct of St. Clair. 
Though he retained the partial confidence of Wash- 
ington, and was afterwards elevated to offices of dig- 
nity, the most impartial historian of the Revolution 
pronounces his error at Ticonderoga, even though 
deceived respecting the real force of the enemy, to 
have proceeded from a defect of military skill, " so 
extraordinary as to admit of no excuse.""^ He lin- 
gered longer on the earth than most of his genera- 
tion, surviving to the ripe old age of more than four- 
score years. Yet he never emerged from the 
cloud that darkened his martial reputation, though 
no man ever justly questioned his patriotism or 
integrity.f 

* Botta, i., 456. 

f Arthur St. Clair was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1*734, 
and accompanied Admiral Boscawen to America in 1Y55. During 
the years 1Y59 and 60, he served as a lieutenant in Canada, under 
General Wolfe, and after the treaty of Paris was appointed to the 
command of Fort Ligonier, in Pennsylvania. In 1776 he was ap- 
pointed a colonel in the Continental arm}'-. The same year he was 
made brigadier, and participated in the engagements at Trenton 
and Princeton. In February, 17 7 7, he received a major-general's 



58 LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 

In the meantime, those who had escaped by 
water were unsuspicious of pursuit. Scarcely had 
the flotilla moored in the little harbor of Skenes- 
borough before the enemy swept round the point 
since known as the "elbow," and commenced a 
furious attack upon the galleys. Two of them were 
captured, the remaining three were blown up. 
Aware of their utter inability to resist the overpow- 
ering force of Burgoyne, the Americans fired the 
batteaux, mills, and blockhouses, and fled towards 
Fort Edward, where Schuyler was encamped. Had 
their retreat been less precipitate, it is quite probable 
they would have fallen into the enemy's hands. A 
short distance below Skenesborough, South Bay 
stretches away from the main channel of the Lake, 
in a southerly direction, almost parallel with the 
course of Wood Creek ; from which it is only separ- 
ated by a narrow range of mountains. Anticipating 
the flight from Skenesborough, as it actually ensued, 
Burgoyne, upon the suggestion of a tory familiar 

commission, and on the 5th of June was ordered to the command of 
Ticonderoga, which he assumed on the 12th of the same month. 
In 1781 he was directed to remain with the Pennsylvania line at 
Philadelphia, for the protection of Congress. He resided in Penn- 
sylvania after the peace, was elected to Congress in 1786, and was 
president of that body in 1787. In 1788 he was appointed Gov- 
ernor of the Northwest Territory, which office he held until 1802. 
His military operations against the Indians in his territory were 
disastrous, and he retired from office ruined in fortune. He 
applied without success to Congress for the payment of certain 
claims, and finally died, almost pennyless, at Laurel Hill, near 
Philadelphia, August 3 let, 1818, aged 84 years. — Losaing. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 59 

with the situation of this part of the country, dis- 
patched a considerable force up the bay, with orders 
to cross the mountain in hot haste, so as to reach 
Wood Creek, and the road along its shore leading to 
Fort Edward, in advance of the retreating patriots. 
The latter, however, passed, just as the enemy 
ascended the summit of the range, and before the 
descent of its eastern declivity could be accomplished 
were beyond the reach of pursuit. 

Thus, both on land and lake the British were 
victorious. At all points the friends of liberty were 
routed and dispersed. Driven from their strong 
hold, conquered on the field of Hubbardtou, over- 
whelmed in the harbor of Skenesborough, stripped of 
ammunition and stores, and of more than a hundred 
pieces of artillery, they were now flying from the 
burning dwellings to which their own hands had 
applied the torch, to seek refuge behind the walls of 
distant fortresses, or amidst the solitary places of the 
wilderness. Thus far, Burgoyne had accomplished 
all he had so confidently foretold in his pompous 
proclamations. Flushed with success, and confident 
of continued victory, he resolved to rest awhile at 
Skenesborough, the halting-place of armies in other 
days, in order to re-assemble and refresh his troops, 
previous to plunging into the thick forest which it 
was necessary to penetrate before he could descend 
into the valley of the Hudson. 



60 LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 



CHAPTER V. 

Disastrous intelligence — Fugitives arrive at Fort Edward — John 
McCrea volunteers — Secluded life of Jane — Her visit to Ar- 
gyle — Mrs. McNiel's family pride — Jane's suspense, on hearing 
of battle of Hubbardton — The mysterious boatman — Freel ar- 
rives with a letter — Its contents — State of the country around 
Fort Edward — Gloom and disaffection — General Phillip Schuy- 
ler — Sketch of his life — His devoted patriotism — He obstructs 
the roads and streams — John INIcCrea's arduous labors — Enter- 
tains feelings different from his sister's. 

The disastrous intelligence of the defeat of the 
Americans spread over the country, as if borne on 
the wings of the wind. In the evening of the 6th 
of July, the sad tidings reached Fort Edward of the 
loss at Skenesborough. The next day straggling 
bands of fugitives arrived, bringing the additional 
intelligence of the defeat at Hubbardton. With the 
patriots who gathered from all quarters, at Fort 
Edward, to listen to an account of the late incidents, 
which the fugitives were ready to repeat with gar- 
rulous exaggeration, came John McCrea. Upon no 
one, of all the sorrowing sons of liberty there as- 
sembled, did the calamitous news produce a more 
disheartening effect. Loud and bitter were his de- 
nunciations of those, whom he characterized as the 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. Gl 

" accursed tories," who had volunteered to act as 
the pioneers of an invader who had come to tram- 
ple on the freedom of the people. He was not one 
of those, who, although well affected, " discovered 
more inclination to take care of themselves than to 
join the army ;" but, on the contrary, when Schuy- 
ler called upon the militia to take the field, he was 
among the foremost to obey the summons. He ex- 
erted his influence to the utmost to induce others to 
follow his example, and succeeded in arousing a 
spirit of resistance in the bosoms of many who were 
inclined to falter, in that dark hour of the Revolu- 
tion. 

During the preceding spring and winter, Jane 
had mused away the time on the banks of the Hud- 
son. It may well be supposed that she listened with 
eagerness to every breath of rumor that came from 
the armies of the north. The occasional messages 
she privately received from young Jones, kept her 
advised of his movements. The reception of these 
affectionate missives were looked forward to with 
impatience, and served to vary the monotony of her 
secluded life. Her attachment to the young sol- 
dier was devoted ; and, absorbed in more gentle 
contemplation, she gave but little heed to the stormy 
questions of the times. She only desired that the 
tempest might pass away ; and in her daily suppli- 
cations, not only invoked the Almighty to protect 
the being whose welfare was so closely connected 
with her own, but, to hasten the day, when '' nation 
4 



62 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither sball 
they learn war any more." 

At intervals she was accustomed to pay a visit 
to her old friend, Mrs. McNiel, and her daughter, 
Miss Hunter, and on one occasion, in company with 
the latter, during this period, made a journey of 
several miles, on horseback, to the residence of Mr. 
Gilmur, in the adjoining township of Argyle. So 
slight an incident would have escaped altogether 
the observation of history, were it not that an aged 
and venerable man, but lately gathered to his fa- 
thers, was wont to tell, while afterwards speaking 
of the fate of Jenny, how he met the maidens on the 
way, and how their laugh rang merrily through the 
air, as they galloped past him along the winding 
path of the forest. 

Mrs. McNiel was friendly to the ro3^al cause, 
and awaited with some degree of anxiety the arrival 
of the British army, anticipating a pleasant meet- 
ing with her kinsman, General Fraser. The encomi- 
ums she bestowed upon that brave and accomplish- 
ed officer were flattering in the extreme. Perhaps 
something of family pride dwelt in the bosom of 
the j)ortly matron; indeed, as she discoursed of his 
deserts, her auditors were more than likely to learn 
that in her own veins there ran the blood of the 
Frasers. Jenny always gave an attentive ear to 
these dissertations, even when the voluble lady 
traced back the ancestral line to the very root of her 
genealogical tree; for aught connected with her 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 63 

lover, even tlie history of the man under whose 
more immediate orders he v^as then serving, posses- 
sed a peculiar interest. From these visits she 
would return to her brother's house, undisturbed by 
those alarming apprehensions entertained by many 
of her neighbors. Instead of contemplating Bur- 
goyne's advance with emotions of horror, she re- 
garded his approach as an event that would relieve 
her from disagreeable suspense, and restore to her 
side him towards whom her heart had yearned long 
and lovingly. 

The unexpected and startling intelligence, how- 
ever, of the evacuation of Ticonderoga, and of the 
subsequent ill fortune of her countrymen, produced 
an excitement in her mind as violent as that which 
agitated her brother's, though of a different nature. 
A bloody battle had been fought, in which the field 
of encounter had been strewn with the bodies of the 
slain ; she knew furthermore, from the fact that 
Fraser began the attack, that David Jones must 
have mingled in the strife ; and for a time she knew 
not whether he was numbered among the living or 
the dead. 

Gen. St. Clair, after the battle of Hubbardton, 
in order to avoid the division of the British army 
which, he was informed, was ascending to the North 
Eiver, changed his route, and directed his march to 
Rutland. After halting two days, during which 
time he fell in with many soldiers who had escaped 
from the recent battle, he proceeded southward to 



64: LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

the village of Manchester, where he was joined by 
Warner, with about ninety men. ■ From this place 
he marched towards Fort Edward, at which point 
he met General Schuyler on the 12th of July. 

It was the day after the arrival of St. Clair, 
while Jane, as was her " custom always of an after- 
noon," was indulging a lonely ramble along the 
margin of the river, that she descried in the dis- 
tance the approach of a small boat, containing but 
a single occupant. She watched its progress with 
attention, not failing to notice that it kept close to 
the eastern shore, sometimes even lost to sight be- 
neath the overhanging branches of the trees. That 
the solitary rower, whoever he might be, desired to 
avoid observation, was evident. In order to gratify 
a curiosity now somewhat excited, she stepped into 
a cluster of bushes that entirely concealed herself, 
and at the same time afforded her a broad view of 
the river. Suddenly, the boat changed the direc- 
tion of its course, and pointing its bow westward, 
shot right athwart the stream. The light shell, 
driven by a sturdy force, seemed almost to fly along 
the surface of the water; and as it gracefully glided 
round a point into a little cove, near the spot where 
Jane was standing, she discovered in the strange 
oarsman, the well-known form of Alexander Freel. 

Anticipating at once the object of his errand, 
she stepped hastily forth from the place of her con- 
cealment, and presented herself before him. After 
an interchange of salutations, Freel handed her a 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 65 

letter, and re-entering his boat, retraced his course 
with the same cautiousness he had previously main- 
tained. The girl gazed a moment at the familiar 
superscription, then breaking the seal, and unfold- 
ing it with hurried fingers, read as follows : 

" Skenesboro', July 11th, 1111. 
" Dear Friend : 

" I have ye opportunity to send you this by Williana Bam- 
sy, hoping through Freel it will come safe to hand. Since last 
writing, Ty has been taken, and we have had a battle, which 
no doubt you have been informed of before this. Through 
God's mercy I escaped destruction, and am now well at 
this place, for which thanks be to Him. The rebels cannot 
recover from the blow yt has been struck, and no doubt 
the war will now end soon. Such should be the prayer of all 
of us. Dear Jenny, I do not forget you, though much there 
is to distract in these days, and hope I am remembered by 
you as formerly. In a few days we will march to Ft Ed- 
ward, for which I am anxious, where I shall have the hap- 
piness to meet you, after long absence. I hear from Isaac 
Yaughn who has just come in that the people on the river 
are moving to Albany. I hope if your brother John goes, 
you will not go with him, but stay at Mrs. McNiels, to whom 
and Miss Hunter * give my dutiful respects. There I will 
join you. My dear Jenny, these are sad times, but I think 

* Miss Hunter was the granddaughter of Mrs. McNiel, and cou- 
sin of Jenny, and at this time resided with the former. Miss Hun- 
ter afterwards married a ]Mr. Tierce. Her granddaughter is yet 
living at Fort Edward, the wife of a highly influential gentleman 
of that village, from whom this statement was received. His man- 
sion stands upon the same lot formerly occupied by Mrs. McNiel's. 



QQ LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

the war will end this year, as the rebels cannot hold out, 
and will see their error. By the blessing of Providence I 
trust we shall yet pass many years together in peace. Shall 
write on every occasion that offers and hope to find you at 
Mrs. Mc. No more at present : — but believe me yours 
aff'tly till death. 

DAVID JONES." 

Jane devoured this epistle with avidity, repenis- 
ing many times those sentences which assured her 
of the continuance of his constancy, and of his ar- 
dent anticipation of happiness in years to come. 
At length, carefully concealing it in her dress, she 
walked thoughtfully homewards, elated with a 
knowledge of his welfare, and relieved of a sus- 
pense which was becoming oppressive in the ex- 
treme. 

The country around Fort Edward at this time, 
was the scene of bustle and excitement. The sole 
absorbing topic of conversation was Burgoyne's ap- 
proach. There was hastening to and fro among the 
settlements, every man making eager inquiries, or 
giving utterance to expressions of alarm. It was 
now the season of harvest, but the ripe grain was 
neglected and ungathered ; the reaper had thrown 
aside the sickle for the sword ; the ox that toiled in 
the field, and the flocks that filled the pastures, 
were driven to remote and distant places, in order 
that they might not fall into the hands of the de- 
spoilers of the land. Language is inadequate to con- 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. Q^ 

vey a full description of the wretched condition of 
the Americans at this j^eriod. The little army at 
Fort Edward were in want of food and clothing, 
ammunition and artillery. The Eastern militia, dis- 
pirited by late disasters, were returning to their 
homes, and in the depth of their despondency, indi- 
cations of insubordination were manifest. The forces 
of a victorious enemy lay almost within hearing of 
their evening guns, and the most stout-hearted 
scarcely dared indulge the hope of successfully re- 
sisting an array which had scattered all before it as 
it swept triumphantly through the Lake. 

It is even probable that Fort Edward would 
have been then deserted, and no impediment thrown 
in the progress of Burgoyne in his march thither, 
had it not been for the unbending spirit and devot- 
ed patriotism of a man who, although wronged and 
neglected in his time, has since been rewarded with 
the grateful plaudits of posterity.* General Schuy- 

* General Philip Schuyler -was born at Albany, November 22d, 
1733. His grandfather, Peter Schuyler, was Mayor of Albany, 
and commander of the Northern Militia in 1690. His father, John 
Schuyler, married Cornelia Van Courtlandt, a woman of strong 
mind ; and Philip was their eldest son. By virtue of the law of 
primogeniture, he inherited the real estate of his father at his 
death, but, notwithstanding, generously shared it with his bro- 
thers and sisters. His father died while he was young, and to the 
thorough training of a gifted mother he was greatly indebted for 
his success in life. He entered the army against the French and 
Indians, in 1755, and commanded a company which attended Sir 
William Johnson to Fort Edward and Lake George. Attracting 
the attentiqn of Lord Howe, he was placed in the commissariat de- 



gg LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

ler had left Albany for Ticonderoga^ and met the 
news of the evacuation of the latter place, at Still- 
water. Pushing forward, he received, at Schuyler- 
ville, the same day, the information of the defeat at 
Hubbard ton, and loss of stores at Skenesborough."^ 
As he advanced, the wildest apprehensions and 

partment. To him also was intrusted the duty of conveying the 
body of that young nobleman to Albany for sepulture, after his 
fall at Tieonderoga. After the peace of l^6S, he was a member of 
the Colonial Assembly of New York, and warmly opposed the Brit- 
ish government in their attempts to tax the colonies. He was a 
member of the Continental Congress that assembled in 1775, and in 
June following was appointed by that body one of the major-gen- 
erals of the American army. He was charged by Washington with 
the command in the province of New York, and directed to secure 
the Lakes, and prepare for invading Canada. Taking sick, the com- 
mand devolved on Montgomery. During 1776, he was active in 
Indian affairs, and in perfecting the order and discipline oi the 
Northern army. For causes quite inexplicable,, he was superseded, 
in effect, by Gates, in March, 1777, but reinstated in May. Again, 
when prudence caused him to retreat down the Hudson, calumny 
which had atjccessfully poisoned the minds of the Eastern people 
and militia, became so clamorous for his removal, that Congress 
placed Gates again in charge of the army, in August. Injured and 
insulted, the patriot still continued to devote his services and his 
fortune in aid of his country. He demanded a court of inquiry; 
and its verdict acquitting him of all blame, conferred as much honor 
upon him as his successor won at Saratoga. He was urged by Wash- 
ington to accept military command, but he preferred to lend his 
aid to his country in another way. He was a member of the old 
Congress under the Confederation ; and, after the adoption of the 
Constitution, was a senator from New York with Rufus King. 
He was again senator in 1797, in place of Aaron Burr. He died at 
Albany, November ISth^ 1804^ aged 71 years. — Lossiyig'. 
» Marshall. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. (59 

inurmiirings of disaffection met him at every step. 
In this gloomy state of things, no officer could have 
exerted more diligence and skill than he displayed. 
Critical and discouraging as his position was, the 
stout heart of the patriot did not fail. "Writing to 
the committee at Albany he said, " Should it be 
asked what line of conduct I mean to hold amid this 
variety of difficulties and distress, I would answer ; 
to dispute every inch of ground with General Bur- 
goyne^ and retard his descent into the country as 
long as jpossihleP 

Accordingly, while the British commander halt- 
ed at Skenesborough, himself the guest of Philip 
Skene, whose knowledge of the country and people, 
as well as his well-known opposition to the patriots, 
caused him to be introduced into the military family 
of the chief, Schuyler exerted his utmost energies to 
impede the progress of the royal army. Woodcreek 
was navigable for batteaux from the falls of Skenes- 
borough to Fort Ann : though at present it flows 
through a succession of meadows, forming a rich 
and romantic valley, at that time it ran among al- 
most impenetrable marshes, covered with a thick 
growth of forest trees. From Fort Ann to Fort Ed- 
ward, a distance of some dozen miles, known in the 
time of the old colonial wars, as " the Great Carry- 
ing Place," the surface of the country was rough, 
and rendered nearly impassable by reason of simi- 
lar difficulties, and the moist and clayey nature of 
the soil. Through this uninviting region it was ne- 
4* 



YO LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

cessaiy for the army of Burgoyne to pass, before 
emerging into the more open country along the 
Hudson, where, he confidently anticipated, but slight 
and unavailing obstacles could be opposed to a suc- 
cessful c 3njunctiire with the forces under Howe. 

General Schuyler, without delay, during Bur- 
goyne's halt at Skenesborouo^h, endeavored to inter- 
rupt the passage of Woodcreek with all manner of 
obstacles. He " neglected no means of adding, by 
art, to the difficulties with which nature seemed to 
have purposely interdicted this passage. Trenches 
were opened, the paths obstructed, the bridges bro- 
ken up, and, in the only practicable defiles, im- 
mense trees were cut in such a manner, on both 
sides of the road, as to fall across and lengthwise, 
which, with their branches interwoven, presented 
an insurmountable barrier ; in a word, this wilder- 
ness, of itself so horrible, was thus rendered almost 
absolutely impenetrable. Nor did the American 
general rest satisfied with these precautions ; he di- 
rected the cattle to be removed to the most distant 
places, and the stores and baggage from Fort George 
to Fort Edward, that articles of such necessity for 
his troops might not fall into the power of the 
enemy."* 

In these arduous labors John McCrea participat- 
ed as a volunteer. Responding to the call of his 
country, and prompted by noble and patriotic im- 

* Botta, i., 459. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 71 

pulses, he freely forsook his family and his fields, 
giving to the cause of liberty, many days of unceas- 
ing and laborious toil. 

This wilderness, of less than a dozen leagues 
in extent, now only separated David Jones from his 
betrothed. While John McCrea would rather that 
the bones of the young lieutenant should bleach 
within its dank recesses, than that he and his com- 
panions should ever pass it, there was a thoughtful 
maiden in his house, who, were it in her power, 
would have smoothed a pathway through it with her 
own hands, if it would have led him safely to her 
side. Such were the diverse emotions entertained 
by members of the same household, in " the days 
that tried men's souls." 



72 LIFE OF JANE McCEEA. 



CHAPTER VI. 



The March through the wilderness — Obstructions in Woodcreek — 
The ]S"aturalist, Kalm— The battle of Fort Ann— The Expedi- 
tion to Bennington — Sketch of Philip Skene — Burgoyne's con- 
fidence in his representations — Restlessness of the Indians — 
Their excesses — Their appearance in the neighborhood of Fort 
Edward — ^The Alarm — Flight of the Patriots to Albany— Jennj 
hesitates to accompany her brother — The Earl of Harrington — 
Nephew of Lieutenant Jones — Alexander Freel — Contest be- 
tween duty and affection— Love triumphs. 



Towards the middle of July the royal army 
quitted Skenesborough. "With much labor Bur- 
goyne had succeeded in transferring batteaux from 
the Lake to Woodcreek. They bad advanced up 
that stream, however, but a short distance, when 
they began to encounter obstacles they had not an- 
ticipated. Immense logs spanned the narrow chan- 
nel, in many places diverting the natural course of 
the current and overflowina: the adjacent lands. 
The march was slow and toilsome in the extreme, 
and, in addition to the severe labor the removal of 
these obstructions necessarily demanded, they were 
subjected to further annoyances of a most painful 
and tormenting character. Besides the difficulty of 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 73 

obtaining supplies, they were literally devoured by 
swarms of insects, which the hot July weather had 
engendered in the surrounding swamps. The natu- 
ralist, Kalm, who passed through the same region 
some years previous, in his narrative dwells upon 
the annoyance he also experienced from them. Af- 
ter speaking of the oppressive heat, so intense as to 
forbid exercise in the middle of the day, for he also 
performed the journey in the midst of summer, he 
says : 

" Punchins, as the Dutch call them, are the little 
gnats which abound here. They are very minute, 
and their wings gray, with black spots. They are 
ten times worse than the larger ones, or muskitoes ; 
for their size renders them next to imperceptible ; 
they are ever^; where, careless of their lives, suck 
their fill of blood, and cause a burning pain." 

At length, overcome with heat and hunger, and 
worn out with excessive labor, the troops arrived at 
Fort Ann. It was here that a severe battle occur- 
red between the ninth British regiment, commanded 
by Lieutenant Colonel Hill, and a detachment of 
Americans under Colonel Long. When the latter 
abandoned the batteaux at Skenesborough in his 
flight from Ticonderoga, he hurried forward, as has 
been stated, and evading his pursuers who sought to 
intercept him by crossing the mountain from South 
Bay, halted at this ancient post. Here he received 
instructions from the south to maintain his ground. 
Informed of the approach of Colonel Hill, without 



74: LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

awaiting an attack, he gallantly sallied out to meet 
him. A short distance north of the Fort the oppo- 
site uplands approach each other so closely as to 
leave but little more than sufficient space for the 
passage of Woodcreek. In this narrow defile, which 
art has since widened to a considerable extent, the 
combatants met. "At half-past ten o'clock in the 
morning," Major Forbes, a British officer, testified 
on the trial of Burgoyne, " they attacked us in front 
with a heavy and well-directed fire ; a large body 
of them passed the creek on the left, and fired from 
a thick wood across the creek on the left flank of 
the regiment ; they then began to recross and attack 
us in the rear ; we then found it necessary to change 
our ground, to prevent the regiment being sur- 
rounded ; we took post on a high hill on our right. 
As soon as we had taken post, the Americans made 
a very vigorous attack, which continued upwards of 
two hours ; and they certainly would have forced us, 
had it not been for some Indians that arrived and 
gave the war-whoop, which we answered with three 
cheers ; the rebels soon after gave way." 

They gave way, however, not in consequence of 
the Indian war-whoop, as Major Forbes erroneously 
supposed, but in consequence of a failure of ammu- 
nition. Had the Americans been well supplied in 
this respect, there is little room to doubt, they would 
have obtained a signal triumph. Their ammunition 
exhausted, they were compelled to retire; not, how- 
ever, until they had set fire to Fort Ann, and left, 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 75 

on the field of battle, more dead and dying enemies 
than histoiy has recorded ; most of whom were vete- 
rans, who had grown old in wars. 

Distant from Fort Edward, by the most circui- 
tous route, less than a score of miles, Burgoyne con- 
tinued to press forward without delay. In this 
famous march he was compelled to build more than 
forty bridges, and to construct log roads for long 
distances ; the remains of which are yet visible- 
Besides dragging artillery, &c., the soldier had to 
bear a heavy burden upon his back. This consisted, 
in Burgoyne's own words, " of a knapsack, contain- 
ing his bodily necessaries, a blanket, a haversack 
with provisions, a canteen, a hatchet, and a fifth 
share of the general camp equipage belonging to his 
tent." These articles, added to his accouterments, 
arms and ammunition, it has been estimated, would 
weigh about sixty pounds. In consequence of the 
delays these obstacles unexpectedly created, the 
troops began to find themselves sadly in want of 
provisions. " Though our troops had toiled without 
intermission, during whole weeks," said one who 
was with the army at this time, " there was on hand 
no greater stock of provisions than promised to suffice 
for four days' consumption. I have called it a desert 
country," he continues," not only with reference to its 
natural sterility — and, Heaven knows! it was sterile 
enough — but because of the pains which were taken, 
and unfortunately with too great success, to sweep 
its few cultivated spots of all articles likely to bene- 



76 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

fit the invaders. In doing this the enemy showed 
no clemency either to friend or foe. All the fields 
of standing corn were laid waste, the cattle were 
driven away, and every particle of grain, as well as 
morsel of grass, carefully removed.""^ 

It was while entangled in this wilderness, and 
pressed for necessary supplies, that Burgoyne deter- 
mined upon the expedition to Bennington. It had 
been suggested and strongly recommended by Phil- 
lip Skene,f while the former and his staff were enter- 

* Glich. 

f About the close of the French and Indian War, Phillip Skene, 
an English Major under half pay, purchased several soldiers' grants, 
which he located at Skenesborough, now Whitehall. In order to 
secure his title, he obtained a royal patent. At this point he 
effected a small settlement, which was known as Skenesborough, 
until after the Revolution. He accompanied the expedition to 
Martinique and Havana, in 1761. He was the owner of a conside- 
rable number of slaves ; was a magistrate of the crown ; and was 
sometimes honored with the title of Governor, from the fact of his 
having held the office of Lieutenant Governor of Crown Point and 
Ticonderoga. Besides a substantial residence, he erected an edifice 
of stone, one hundred and thirty feet long, designed for a military 
garrison and depot. "When Ethan Allen was at Castleton, on his 
way to surprise Ticonderoga, in 17*75, he dispatched Captain Her- 
riek with thirty men, to Skenesborough. In obedience to instruc- 
tions, they captured the son of the proprietor, while out shooting. 
They also secured twelve slaves and fifty tenants, and took posses- 
sion of his buildings. In the cellar of the house, they found the 
body of Phillip Skene's wife ; where it had been preserved for a 
number of years, in order to secure an annuity'- devised to her 
" while she remained above ground." The body was buried, by 
the Americans, at the base of the mountain still known as Skene's 
mountain ; and, seizing his schooner, they sailed down the lake to 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 77 

tained in his fort-like mansion, at Skenesboroiigh. 
The object of this expedition, so disastrous in its con- 
sequences to the British cause, was the capture of a 
large quantity of stores said to be collected in the 
vicinity of Bennington. It was represented by Skene 
that a majority of the people were opposed to rebel- 
lion, as he was pleased to term it, and ready to make 
it manifest, the first favorable opportunity. He ex- 
pressed his assurance that '^ the friends of the Brit- 
ish cause were as five to one ; and that they wanted 
only the appearance of a protecting power to show 
themselves."* That Burgoyne reposed the utmost 

join Allen. He advised the expedition to Bennington, and accom- 
panied the enemy thither. Personally known to many Americans 
' in the engagement there, to whom he was most obnoxious, great 
efforts were made to capture him. Four horses were shot under 
him, and the fifth expired, after carrying him beyond danger. He 
was at Saratoga when Burgoyne surrendered. When the latter 
proposed on the 13th Oct. to retreat, he turned to Skene, and, 
referring to the expedition to Bennington, reproachfully said, "You 
have brought me into this difficulty, now advise me how to get out 
of it." Skene replied, "Scatter your baggage and stores at proper 
distances, and the militia will be so engaged in collecting them, 
that you can get off." He had no doubt seen Gates's order issued, 
the day before, and directed to his own men, wherein he speaks of 
certain " scandalous transactions committed by persons who sought 
more after plunder than the honor of doing their duty." He 
ordered his buildings at Skenesborough to be burned, and went to 
England. His lands, consisting of over 25,000 acres, were confisca- 
ted. The officers captured at Saratoga signed a parole of honor, 
at Cambridge, Mass. His signature was the last, and, with the 
appendix, reads as follows : " Phillip Skene, a poor follower of the 
British Army." 

* Gordon, ii., 242. 



78 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

confidence in these representations, notwithstanding 
the opposition of both Keidesel and Phillips, is evi- 
dent from the tone of his instructions to the com- 
mander of the expedition, dated the 9th of August. 
These instructions required Lieutenant Colonel 
Baume, with only six hundred Hessians, Canadians, 
Tories, and Indians, to " scour the country," to 
make prisoners of all "officers, civil and military, 
acting under Congress," to " tax the towns," and to 
bring in such vast supplies of cattle, horses, carriages, 
and provisions, " by the great road to Albany," that 
Thatcher was constrained to say, in his Journal, at 
the time, " Why, this redoubtable commander must 
surely be one of the happiest men of the age, to ima- 
gine such prodigious achievements are at his com- 
mand ; that such invaluable resources are within 
his grasp."^ It being our design only to dwell with 
particularity upon the toils, privations, and adven- 
tures of those with whom David Jones was immedi- 
ately associated, and inasmuch as he did not join 
the expedition to Bennington, we shall not here enter 
upon a description of its unsuccessful termination.f 
During the wearisome period that Burgoyne's 
army was buried in those forests, which stretched 
southwardly from the head of Champlain to the 
waters of the Hudson, he began to realize the effects 
of that wicked policy which induced the ministry to 
engage the services of savages. Notwithstanding 

* Military Journal, p. 92. f See Appendix, A. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 79 

the severe restrictions he had imposed upon them, 
and the fair promises of obedience Le Loup had 
made in behalf of all the tribes, at the grand council 
and war-feasts on the banks of the Boquet, he fomid 
it utterly impossible to subject them to discipline, or 
control them within any reasonable limits. Impa- 
tient of restraint, they continually rambled from the 
main body of the army, small parties of them 
threading the woods in various directions, and 
spreading dismay and death wherever they appeared 
among the settlements. Patriot and tory were alike 
the victims of their vengeance, and even Burgoyne's 
written protection was almost uniformly disregarded. 
These cruelties tended to weaken the sense of 
security that many friends of the invaders had been 
led to entertain, and frequently royalists and repub- 
licans were compelled to fly before the tomahawks 
of these fierce marauders. They seemed to burn 
with an innate thirst for blood, and to consider it a 
more glorious achievement to scalp an enemy than 
to bring him a prisoner to camp. In the earlier part 
of the campaign, the royal officers, notwithstanding 
Burgoyne's emphatic assurance that they should 
" account for scalps," were inclined to overlook their 
barbarian excesses. " It is a conquered country, 
and we must wink at these things," said General 
Fraser on one occasion, when a band of terrified loy- 
alists hurried to him with an account of the mas- 
sacre of a whole family ;'^ a remark which detracted 

* Allen's family, of Argyle. 



§0 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

mucli from the fair reputation of that unfortunate 
general. Indeed, we have the authority of Burgoyne 
himself for saying, that after the murder of Miss 
McCrea, in consequence of his positive and absolute 
orders to the Indians not to molest those having his 
protection, many of them became so dissatisfied that 
they deserted him, returning to their hunting grounds 
by the rivers of Canada.* 

In the latter part of July, small parties of savages 
were often observed prowling in the neighborhood 
of Fort Edward. These suspicious indications, 
together with the knowledge of the proximity of 
Burgoyne, not only caused the American forces to re- 
tire to Moses Kill, leaving a small party in the fort, 
but also induced the patriot families along the river 
to make preparations for flight towards Albany. It 
has been said, that " it is impossible to describe the 
appalling distress that mauy families experienced 
at that period of peril and alarm. "f The roads were 
filled with fugitives ; men leading little children by 
the hand, women pressing their infant ofispring to 
their bosoms, hurrying forward in utmost con- 
sternation, from the scene of danger. Occasionally 
passed a cavalcade, two and even three mounted on 
a single steed, panting under its heavy load ; some- 
times carrying a mother and her child, while the 
father ran breathless by the horse's side. Then 
came a procession of carts drawn by oxen, laden 

* State of the Expedition. f IS^eilson, p. 64. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 31 

with furniture hastily collected ; and here and there, 
mingling with the crowd of vehicles, was seen many 
a sturdy husbandman followed by his household and 
driving his domestic animals before him. All was 
confusion and excitement; for, in the panic the 
alarm at first created, they " did not stand upon the 
order of their going, but went at once." The scene, 
as it has been often described, reminds one of the 
poetical description of the flight along, the Tiber, 
towards the gates of Rome, when 

" aged folk on crutches, 
And women great with child, 

And mothers sobbing over babes "^ 
That clung to them and smiled, 
» « * * « 

And droves of mules and asses, 

Laden with skins of wine, 
And endless flocks of goats and sheep, 

And endless herds of kine, 
And endless trains of waggons, 

That creaked beneath their weight, 
Of cornsacks and of household goods, 

Choked every roaring gate." 

John Mc Crea, npon whom the military title of 
colonel had been conferred a short time previous by 
the committee of safety, apprehensive for the wel- 
fare of his family, had also made preparations to 
remove to Albany. Various causes interposed to 
prevent his carrying his design into execution as 
soon as he desired, but the principal one was, the 
reluctance which Jane exhibited to accompany hira. 



82 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

The inveterate hostility he had by this time con- 
ceived towards all the brothers Jones, rendered it 
necessary for her, in order to accomplish successfully 
the object she desired and the plan she had adopted, 
to conceal from him the cause of her hesitation. It 
was represented by the Earl of Harrington, during 
the trial of Burgoyne, that Lieutenant Jones denied 
having had any correspondence with Jenny imme- 
diately previous to her murder. It was the policy 
of Burgoyne and his adherents and defenders, to 
acquit themselves, and all connected with them, 
as far as possible, from any participation in the 
atrocious act. That the Earl of Harrington has 
been either incorrectly reported, or was singularly 
mistaken, there cannot be the shadow of a doubt. 
David Jones was a man as much distinguished for 
his truthfulness as for his misfortunes. The char- 
acter he sustained throughout his vivacious youth 
and melancholy manhood, forbids the idea that he 
would make an assertion on one occasion and deny 
it on another. That his correspondence at this time 
with Jenny was frequent, we have his own subse- 
quent, uniform testimony.* 

* On the 5th of September, 1853, we had the pleasure of an 
interview with the son of Daniel Jones, nephew of the Lieutenant, 
at Fort Edward. He is a highly intelligent and influential gentle- 
man, a citizen of Brockville, Canada. To that place, or in its 
yicinity, his father, and his uncles Solomon and David, removed 
after the battle of Saratoga. From their lips he had heard the 
story of the massacre of Jane Mc Crea, as also from those of Mrs. 
Colonel Carley, of Brockville, formerly Miss Thompson, the com- 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 83 

It was this correspondence, through which she 
was informed of the proximity of her lover, and of 
all his movements and intentions, that created in her 
bosom a desire to still linger at Fort Edward, not- 
withstanding the repeated solicitations of her brother, 
urging her to depart. The medium of communi- 
cation was Alexander Freel. We regret that we 
have been unable, after much inquiry, to learn more 
of the history of this personage. From all we can 
ascertain, we are led to the conclusion that he was a 
man occupying an inferior position, one of those 
who were able to adapt themselves successfully to 
any party, as circumstances or interest required. It 
is probable he was one of the family of Peter Freel, 
who resided in the house since known as the "Bald- 
win House," close under the walls of the Fort. At 
any rate, it is known that Alexander and Jenny had 
a lengthened interview at this house, the day pre- 
vious to her death. But little of the early life of 
Freel is now known ; and a long-continued search 
among the records of the campaign, and extensive 
inquiries among aged people, and the descendants 
of those who must have known him well, have failed 
to elicit a single fact in regard to his subsequent 
fate. He parted from David and Solomon Jones at 
Moss Street, just at nightfall, on the evening of the 

panion of Jenny, and who had passed the morninsf with her on the 
day of the tragedy. Upon information derived from this source, 
we rely as o\ir authority, especially so far as the movements of 
Lieutenant Jones are concerned. 



84 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

25tli of July, aud communicated to Jenny the mes- 
sage entrusted to him, the next day at Peter Freel's. 
From that time he seems to have vanished so sud- 
denly from the observation of his contemporaries, 
that but faint and unsatisfactory traces of his after- 
life can be found. There is one person yet living 
who seems to retain a lingering recollection that 
such a man was slain in the battle of Stillwater ; but 
it is so vague, uncertain, and undefined, as to render 
it altogether unreliable authority. 

The peculiar circumstances in which Jenny was 
now placed, compelled her to adopt some decided 
course. On one hand, unconscious of her secret 
information, her brother was urgently importuning 
her to accompany her relatives to the south ; on the 
other, the daily messages of her lover besought her 
to remain. The one portrayed in exaggerated 
language the appalling dangers that surrounded 
them ; the other dwelt confidently on the absolute 
security to be found beneath the roof of Mrs. Mc- 
l^iel. In the heart of the maiden there was a con- 
test between duty and affection. While it was 
raging, another affectionate and glowing epistle 
arrived, suggesting a scheme that would relieve 
them from the unhappiness of longer separation, and 
appealing to her to unite in it. It contained such 
an alluring and romantic proposition, and abounded 
with so many warm and endearing terms, that the 
confiding but distracted girl finally resolved to 
accede to it. It was Love's reinforcement, and 
decided the contest in his favor. 



LIFE OF JANE McCEEA. 85 



CHAPTER VII. 

Relative position of the Belligerents — David and Solomon Jones at 
Moss Street — The old Military Road — The Fountain and the 
Pine — The Alternative — Jenny's visit to Fort Edward — Dis- 
closes her intention to Miss Thompson on the way — Subsequent 
history of the latter — Col. McCrea's anxiety for his sister's re- 
turn — Twice sends a messenger for her— Her interview with 
Freel — Impossibility of Jones visiting Mrs, Mc Niel's — The impla- 
cable hatred of tories entertained by the patriots — The **true 
love" scheme— Jenny resolves to approach the British lines alone 
— The invisible attendants. 

In order that the reader may more fully mider- 
stand the various movements we are about to relate, 
and perceive the motives which actuated them, it 
seems necessary to present briefly, the relative posi- 
tions of the belligerent parties and of those with 
whom we are more particularly concerned. The 
van of the British army had approached within 
about four miles of Fort Edward, and were en- 
camped near Moss Street, in the present town of 
Kingsbury. Lieutenant Jones and his brother Solo- 
mon were there. The latter had a short time pre- 
viously joined the royal army, and was then acting 
in the capacity of Assistant Surgeon. He after- 
wards became eminent in his profession, and for 
many years ranked with the most distinguished 
5 



86 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

medical practitioners in the Province of Upper 
Canada. 

From the camp at Moss Street to the hamlet of 
Fort Edward, stretched the old military road, run- 
ning east of the present highway between those 
points. It was a broad, well-beaten path, crossing 
a level and sandy table-land, nntil it reached the 
brow of the hill that descends abruptly to the left 
bank of the Hudson. Some half-way down the de- 
scent, a huge pine arose far above the height its spe- 
cies usually attains; and as it stretched forth its 
mighty arms over the tallest of its fellows, aj^peared 
like the patriarch of the forest pronouncing a silent 
benediction upon the trees beneath. Directly at its 
foot, gurgled up a never-failing spring. Here cen- 
tered the deer paths in ancient days ; and here the 
early settlers in the village were wont to fill their 
buckets, when the fiery sun of August had warmed 
the fountains in the plain below. For an hundred 
years this spot has been a place of resort. Once the 
traveler sought it only to slake his thirst, and rest 
afterwards in the shade of the giant that overshad- 
owed it. In later years, strangers and pilgrims 
have flocked around it, drawn thither by a desire to 
behold the spot that witnessed the fearful and bloody 
massacre of Jane McCrea. The clear w^ater of 
the spring still gushes up from its cool recesses in 
the earth, bounteously as of yore ; but the patriarchal 
pine, so closely linked with romantic and melan- 
choly associations, and so long the object of curious 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 87 

regard, lias fallen and disappeared. Not, however, 
until its aged limbs had become palsied and decayed, 
and the glorious green crown that had heretofore 
distinguished it, as monarch of the woods, had fallen 
at its roots.* 

While the British van was at Moss Street await- 
ing the approach of Burgoyne, who was with the 
Hessians a short distance in rear, the main body of 
the Americans had abandoned the Fort, and, mov- 
ing some five miles down the east bank of the river, 
had encamped at Moses Kill. About this period, 

* In the summer of 1848, Mr. Lossing, while gathering materials 
for his entertaining, and we may add, incomparable work, entitled 
•'The Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution," visited Fort Edward. 
Speaking of the "venerable and blasted pine," as he styled it, he 
says, — It "had exhibited unaccountable signs of decadence for 
several years, and w^hen we visited it, it was sapless and bare. Its 
top was torn off by a November gale, and almost every breeze di- 
minishes its size by scattering its decayed twigs. * * * The names 
of many ambitious visitors are intaglioed upon it, and reminded 
me of the line, ' Run, now, Orlando, carve on every tree.' " " In a 
few years,'' he adds, " this tree, around which history and romance 
have clustered so many associations, will crumble and pass away 
forever." We learn, however, that measures have been taken to 
preserve it from the destiny which Mr. Lossing very naturally pre- 
dicted. During the winter of 1852-3, Mr. George Harvey, its own- 
er, directed it to be cut down, and in order that it might not "pass 
away forever," has caused the sound portions of its vast trunk to 
be manufactured into elegantly wrought boxes, canes, &c. Speci- 
mens have been placed in the Crystal Palace, New York, and at- 
tract attention, as well in consequence of the interesting associa- 
tions connected with them, as of the ingenious mechanism dis- 
played by Mr. James M. Burdick, of Fort Ann, in their manufac- 
ture. 



88 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

Arnold, who had been placed in command of one 
division of the forces in the north, had reached the 
army. The rear-guard, left in charge of the fortress, 
belonged to this division. On the summit of the 
eminence north of the pine tree, a picket guard was 
stationed under command of Lieutenant Yan Yech- 
ten. Jenny was still remaining at her brother's 
house, a mile or two south of the camp at Moses Kill, 
on tlie opposite shore of the Hudson. So nearly 
had the opposing armies approached each other 
that the intervening space was the theater of daily 
skirmishes, between the American scouts and small 
parties of British and Indians. All the patriot fami- 
lies without exception, so far as can be learned, 
north of Moses Kill, had by this time forsaken their 
homes, and either taken refuge in the Fort, or joined 
in tlie general flight. Col. McCrea had made prep- 
arations for the removal of his liousehold at the first 
signal of impending danger. 

Such was the situation of parties and affairs on 
the day Jenny received from Lieutenant Jones the 
communication that fixed her resolution, as men- 
tioned at the conclusion of the last chapter. After 
alluding to the warm and mutual attachment that 
had so long existed between them, and the unhappy 
separation the war had compelled them to endure, 
it proceeded to say, That in consequence of the 
violent animosity her brother had conceived towards 
himself and all his family — which he alleged was 
without just provocation, inasmuch as he had only 



LIFE UF JANE MoCREA. 89 

performedj as he conscientiously considered, bis duty 
as a faithful subject, in joining the ranks of his law- 
ful king — their marriage, in all probability, could 
never be consummated with the colonel's approba- 
tion. It was impossible to foretell the difficulties 
they might be destined to encounter, should they 
postpone the occasion that now offered itself of be- 
coming at once indissolubly united. He therefore 
proposed that the marriage should take place on the 
following Sabbath. After the ceremony she could 
remain temporarily at Mrs. McNiel's, or join the offi- 
cers' ladies who accompanied the army of Burgoyne. 
If she removed to Albany, he declared it to be a 
matter of uncertainty whether they would ever meet 
again. Situated as he was, compelled to hazard the 
chances of war, there was no divining how soon or 
late he might be taken away. His length of life did 
not depend upon the possession of youth and health, 
but upon the good fortune that might attend him, 
amidst the dangers with which he was surrounded. 
On the other hand, should she choose to follow the 
fortunes of her brother, removing with him to some 
remote and perhaps unknown locality, it was likely 
that further communication would be interdicted, 
and that the step would finally result in an endless 
separation. Or, if ever he should succeed thereafter 
in reaching the secluded abode into which the re- 
bellious obstinacy of John was certainly hurrying 
him, he would, doubtless, in the bitterness of his 
enmity, endeavor to drive him from her presence. 



90 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

Should the proposal he suggested be declined, noth- 
ing but difficulties, disappointments, and unhappi- 
ness presented themselves on every side. If, there- 
fore, she was not prepared to tear asunder all those 
endearing ties which so long had bound them fondly 
and affectionately together, he besought her, earn- 
estly and passionately, for the sake of her own future 
peace, and for the honorable love he bore her, to 
listen with favor to the project he proposed. 

It was a painful dilemma in which Jenny thus 
found herself unexpectedly placed. It devolved 
upon her to determine, and that without delay, 
which alternative she would choose. In either case, 
she foresaw that trouble and infelicity awaited her. 
Should she fly to the protection of her lover, she 
would forfeit the affection of one who, for years, had 
treated her with more than fraternal kindness ; 
should she depart southward with her kindred, in 
all likelihood the anticipation which had been the 
long, sweet dream of her youth, would never be re- 
alized. At length, as has been stated, she yielded 
to the voice that was pleading in her heart, and, fixed 
in an unalterable resolution, returned a message to 
her betrothed, that unless unforeseen calamities pre- 
vented, she w^ould meet him at the marriage altar 
on the day appointed. 

In pursuance of this determination, on the 
24th of July, she repaired to Fort Edward, in 
company with Miss Thompson, afterwards the wife 
of Colonel Carley. The ostensible object of this visit 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 91 

was to bid farewell to Mrs. McNiel and her grand- 
daughter, Miss Hunter,* both of whom, being 
staunch loyalists, of course did not design abandon- 
ing their homes. To carry her plan into successful 
execution, it was necessary that the colonel should 
remain ignorant of her intentions. On the way, 
however, she unfolded them to her confidant and 
companion, the only person, except David and Solo- 
mon Jones, who was acquainted with the secret.f 
Between Jenny and Miss Thompson, there seems to 
have existed the closest intimacy and the warmest 
friendship. The latter had resided some time in the 
family of Colonel McCrea, previous to the massacre 
of his sister. Soon after that event, she removed to 
Canada, where she formed the matrimonial alliance 
already mentioned. She lived to the age of more 
than threescore years, and during her life was noted 
for her superior intelligence and pleasing address. 
Many of her descendants now reside in the vicinity 
of Brockville, and through her were made familiar 
with the tragic story of her young friend, Jenny. 

Colonel McCrea expected his sister would return 
the day following her departure. The sun, how- 
ever, began to disappear in the west, twilight, and 

* In a preceding cliapter, Miss Hunter has been spoken of as 
Miss Campbell, and as the daughter of Mrs. McNiel. The infoima- 
tioii that led to the discovery of the mistake, was not received until 
after the chapter was in press. 

f This information was lately obtained, from David Jones, Esq., 
nephew of the lieuteuanl;., who received it from Mrs. Carley 
herself. 



92 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

finally darkness succeeded, and still she made not 
her appearance. The anxious brother waited and 
watched in vain. Early on the morning of the 26th, 
he dispatched a messenger to Mrs. McNiel's to con- 
duct her immediately home. She framed excuses 
for delay, and sent back the messenger with the in- 
formation that she would not return before the fol- 
lowing Monday. 

At this time the Indians were scouring the 
country in all directions. Biirgoyne's arrival at the 
fort, was anticipated daily and hourly. Alarm 
everywhere prevailed. Among those who now 
looked for safety in flight, there was not a moment 
to be lost. The colonel only postponed the depar- 
ture of his family in consequence of his sister's non- 
appearance, and was alarmed and troubled at her 
strange and unaccountable delay. He directed the 
messenger to return again, and this time required 
her, in most peremptory terms, to join him imme- 
diately. A large bateau was then being loaded 
near the fort, which, it was said, would proceed 
down the river next morning. Intimating her de- 
sign of taking passage in this conveyance, the mes- 
senger was a second time dismissed. 

About noon, the 26th of July, she was observed 
to leave Mrs. McNiePs, and direct her steps to the 
house of Peter Freel, situated within a few rods of 
the Fort. Here, in accordance with previous ar- 
rangement, she had an interview with Alexander. 
That morning there had been a spirited skirmish 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 93 

between some British and Indians, and a party of 
Americans, near Moss street. Several of the latter 
were killed, and all who escaped now took refuge in 
the Fort. The out-posts and picket guard on the 
hill retired behind its walls, prepared to abandon it, 
and join the camp at Moses Kill, at any moment 
necessity demanded. 

It was impossible for the marriage to take place 
at Mrs. McNiel's. Her house was within gun-shot 
of the fortress. For Jones to have appeared there, 
would have been the height of recklessness, and 
would have resulted in almost certain capture. He 
was well known to all, both old and young, in that 
vicinity ; and with the patriots, the most virulent 
and implacable hatred of tories was a characteristic 
sentiment of the times. To have proceeded to Mrs. 
McNiel's house, for the purpose of conducting her 
himself to the British camp, would have been an 
act of inexcusable fool-hardiness. Such being the 
situation of things, a plan was adopted which, had 
it not been for an unforeseen and unlucky circum- 
stance, would, in all probability, have been attended 
with success. It was first suggested to his brother 
by Solomon Jones, who, acceding to it, had sent 
Alexander Freel to ascertain from Jenny, among 
other things, whether it met with her approval. 
This was the matter she was listening to, and de- 
liberating upon, in the mansion of her old acquaint- 
ance, Peter, w^hile her brother was so anxiously 



94 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

gazing up the river, and wondering at her inexplic- 
able absence. 

The proposition was that Jenny should depart 
from the residence of Mrs. McNiel, and approach 
the British lines, or, at least advance beyond the 
American out-posts, without any visible attendant. 
A woman, it was considered, apparently passing 
from one neighbor to another, it was not likely 
would meet witli molestation ; at least it was certain 
that no one would fire upon her, who might possibly 
meet her in the way or observe her from an ambush. 
Two miles from Fort Edward, on the road to the 
British camp, resided one William Griffin, a royal- 
ist who had a protection from Burgoyne. If she 
succeeded in reaching his house in safety, the remain- 
ing short distance could be passed without any ap- 
prehension of danger. In order, however, to be 
prepared for any unanticipated emergency. Lieu- 
tenant Jones proposed that a small party of Indians, 
not exceeding ten or twelve in number, should leave 
the camp on Sunday morning ; steal cautiously 
through the deiiles and thickest parts of the forest, 
avoiding any hostility that might tempt them, to 
a point within sight of Mrs. Mcl^iel's house ; that 
on displaying a preconcerted signal, Jenny should 
sally forth alone ; and as she proceeded unattended 
along the road towards William Griffin's, the In- 
dians were to keep pace with her as they returned 
through the adjacent woods — so near as not to lose 
sight of her, and so distant as to avoid observation. 



LIFE OF JA^SE MoCREi^. 95 

Beyond the farthest out-poyt, her lover would ad- 
vance to meet her, when, conducting her into camp, 
the chaplain of his regiment, Brudenell, would be 
in attendance to perform the marriage service. 

The Indian employed in the accomplishment of 
this adventure, so far as to take charge of the party 
accompanying him, was one with whom the lieu- 
tenant was on friendly terms, growing out of 
favors he had shown him on numerous occasions 
during the progress of the march. It is rather the 
opinion of our informant, from a recollection of his 
uncle's description of him, that the blood of the 
white man was in his veins ; at all events, he had 
been somewhat educated, and was prominent in his 
tribe. He bore the name of Dulutli. In his prud- 
ence, intelligence, and integrity. Lieutenant Jones 
reposed unlimited confidence, and never after did 
he have reason to suppose it was misplaced. 

A walk to William Griffin's, a feat she had a 
hundred times accomplished, was a slight matter in 
Jenny's estimation. The Americans, she knew, had 
that day sought shelter in the Fort. Should she en- 
counter a straggling band of the enemy, the imme- 
diate presence of their allies, announcing her destin- 
ation and the object of her errand, would secure 
her from harm. In fine, if Alexander Freel's assur- 
ances, as repeated to Jones, can be accredited, the 
poor girl laughed at the idea of personal danger, 
and characterizing it as "a true love scheme," 
adopted it with ready, and unhesitating alacrity. 



96 LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 

Finally, every arrangement for the morrow having 
been made, and fully and minutely understood, the 
interview terminated, — Jenny retracing her steps to 
Mrs. M.'s, — the indefatigable go-between seeking 
the British camp by a circuitous path, to gladden 
the impatient heart of the lieutenant, and to claim 
his reward. 

At this time, and ever since Jane's last ar- 
rival at Fort Edward, Miss Hunter had been absent 
on a visit to Mr. Gilmer's, within the limits of the 
present township of Argyle. Affrighted and ap- 
palled by the deed of horror just enacted in the 
neighborhood where she sojourned, as will presently 
appear, the evening of this day was passed by her, 
crouching fearfully in the darkest places of the 
woods, while her grandmother and Jenny, uncon- 
scious of events, sat calmly in the former's house, 
discoursing cheerfully. The venerable and portly 
lady discussed as usual, we presume, the military, 
civil, and social qualities of her cousin, General Fra- 
ser. We can imagine her less fluent companion 
seated by her side, occasionally lost in thoughtful 
contemplation as the next day's business pressed 
upon her mind, and how she sank to rest that night, 
resolving to arise with the morning sun — the last, in 
the mysterious providence of God, her young eyes 
were destined to behold ! 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 97 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The murder of the Allen family — Mies Hunter and companions in 
the forest — Consternation of the inhabitants — Duluth sets out 
on his romantic errand — Preparations for the marriage — Jenny 
watches for the signal — Mrs. McNiel's account of the massacre 
— Her ignorance of the causes that led to it — Letter of James 
McCrea — Jenny discovers the sign — She sets forth alone to 
meet her lover — She meets Van Vechten's men retreating be- 
fore Le Loup — Her flight back to the house — The capture — 
Mrs. McNiel carried into camp — Her meeting with Fraser — 
Duluth's interference — He claims the right to escort Jenny — 
The contention — The catastrophe. 

About the hour that Jane McCrea arrived at the 
house of Peter Free], that is to say, at noon on the 
26th day of July, as has always, from certain indica- 
tions, been supposed, the horrible tragedy was tak- 
ing place in Argyle, that drove Miss Hunter and 
her friends, in utter consternation, to seek safety in 
the forests. The day before, Le Loup, with a troop 
of savages, had set out from camp on one of his usual 
excursions. In the course of their wanderings they 
came to the settlement of Mr. John Allen, in Ar- 
gyle. He was the son-in-law of Mr. Gilmer, in 
whose house Mary Hunter was temporarily abid- 
ing. Both these men were loyalists, though neither 
of them was distinguished for any exhibition of 



98 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

partisan warmth . Eelying upon the protection Bur- 
goyne had promised to all those who espoused the 
cause of the king, they remained comparatively 
"easy in their possessions." While their patriot 
neighbors fled, leaving the ripe grain to rot in the 
fields, they lingered behind to watch their flocks, 
and gather in the harvest. It has been said, how- 
ever, that notwithstanding their political predilec- 
tions, and the promise of Burgoyne's protection, 
they were not without serious apprehension of the 
savages, and that they had resolved to seek a more 
distant and secure abode, as soon as the season of 
harvest was passed. Some misinformed historians 
have asserted that John Allen was engaged in pack- 
ing up his goods, and preparing to depart imme- 
diately to Albany, at the moment Le Loup and his 
band appeared. The fact is, he had j^assed the 
forenoon of that day laboring in his fields, and three 
slaves belonging to his father-in-law were present, 
and assisted him. A younger sister of Mrs. Allen 
had left her fatlier's at a late hour in the morning, 
on an errand to her brother-in-law. Not returning 
when expected, Mr. Gilmer, towards nightfall, sent 
another colored lad belonging to him, to ascertain 
the cause of her detention. Presently he came run- 
ning back, throwing up his arms wildly, and hag- 
gard with aflright, screaming that young Missus 
and Massa Allen and all the family were dead ! 
Forthwith repairing to Allen's residence, a scene 
of horror presented itself, that sickens the imagina- 



LIFE OF JxVNE AIcjCKEA. 99 

tiuD, even at this distance of time, to contemplate. 
lu the same room lay stretched upon the floor, nine 
ghastly and bloody corpses, all of which that morn- 
ing had been full of life and health. They were the 
inanimate bodies of Mr. Allen, his wife, his sister- 
in-law, his three children, and the three slaves. 
Their scalps had been torn off; and their cold, star- 
ing eyeballs, stained with blood and half protrud- 
ing from their sockets, too plainly showed the mortal 
fear they suffered at the moment of their deaths. 
'Not one was left to relate the manner of the massa- 
cre — no eye but the Almighty's beheld the infernal 
butchers perform their horrid work. All appear- 
ances, however, indicated that the devoted family 
were seated unsuspectingly around the table, par- 
taking of their noonday meal, when the savage 
ministers of death fell suddenly upon them. The 
table stood in its accustomed place, in the center of 
the room, and by certain tokens it was considered 
evident that they had risen from it in confusion, on 
the unexpected entrance of the murderers. The 
house had been ransacked and plundered, but the 
plunderers were gone. They had departed secretly 
and stealthily as they came. ISTot a sob or groan 
broke the awful stillness that prevailed. There lay 
the stiff* and motionless corpses on the bloody floor, 
while silence, emj)hatically the silence of death, 
brooded over the scene. Dismayed, appalled, the 
horror-stricken kindred lingered not to perform the 
rites of burial ; but, seized by an overmastering fear. 



100 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

fled into the farthest solitudes of the wilderness, 
hoping to find that safety of which they were not 
assured while beneath the family roof. Their ob- 
ject was to make their way, unobserved, to the gar- 
rison of Fort Edward, and to this end, they crept 
from thicket to thicket through the long hours of the 
night, startled by the slightest sound that disturbed 
the gloomy silence of the woods. Fear fell upon 
the people, far and near, when the account of this 
and other similar horrors was spread abroad. The 
patriots at E"ew Perth, "^ assembled nightly with their 
wives and children within the temporary fortifica- 
tion they had prepared, while the royalists flocked 
from all quarters to the English camp, uttering loud 
remonstrances and demanding the promised protec- 
tion. It was to them that Eraser made the celebrated 
but unfeeling remark — " It is a conquered country, 
and we must wink at these things." 

While Mary Hunter and her companions were 
still tremblingly seeking their way through the for- 
est, the morning of the 27th of July broke forth 
brightly in the east. It was a clear, warm morn- 
ins: — the Sabbath of the Lord — and as the sun 
ascended tow^ards the zenith, shedding its genial 
rays upon the earth, the bees hummed among the 
flowers, and the birds sang among the trees, and all 
the voices of nature, from field and flood and forest, 
seemed to have joined in a psalm of praise to their 
Creator. There was nothing on the earth, or in the 

* Now Salem. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. IQI 

air, to give warning that danger was lurking near, 
or that further bloodshed was at hand. 

At dawn, a small party of Americans, under 
Lieutenant Yan Yechten, had issued from the Fort, 
and stationed themselves upon the brow of the hill 
north of the great pine. They were on the look-out 
for the advance guard of the British army, now con- 
stantly expected, and prepared, on its first approach, 
to convey the intelligence to their comrades in the 
rear. 

In the meantime Duluth and his party had set 
out from the camp at Moss-street, after having re- 
ceived all necessary instructions and directions from 
the lieutenant. He was solemnly charged by the 
latter to avoid being seen by the enemy at the Fort, 
or any of his scouts, however far it might lead him 
from the ordinary path. If she was brought to him 
unharmed, his gratitude would be unbounded, and 
those who accompanied him should receive what- 
ever reward his resources could command. With 
many and sincere assurances that no effort would 
be neglected to carry out his instructions faithfully, 
Duluth departed on his romantic errand. And Da- 
vid Jones, his rejoicing heart filled with pleasurable 
emotions, made ready for the reception of his bride. 
His brother Solomon, and several of his associate 
officers, to whom the affair had been communicated, 
took a lively interest in the proceedings."^ It was a 

* Burgoyne, in his "Statement of the Expedition," says that 



102 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

bit of romance, well calculated to excite atteutioii, 
especially among those who, quitting the social 
scenes of home, had been so long subjected to the 
monotony of military life. The professional ser- 
vices of the chaplain of the regiment were engaged ; 
every necessary arrangement was made ; and all were 
watching and waiting with ill-concerted impatience 
for the appearance of the maiden. 

Duluth and his followers, on leaving the camp, 
struck off in a westerly direction towards the river. 
With true Indian cunning and precaution, they pur- 
sued their course, winding here and there as pru- 
dence dictated — creeping over dry and decayed 
branches, and through dense masses of underbrush, 
as noiselessly as cats ; and finally, unobserved, reach- 
ed the point to which they were directed to repair. 
It was between the spring and the river, and at a 
spot where a signal could be observed from Mrs. 
MclSTiel's mansion. 

Jenny's eyes had been turned in that direction 
for hours. She had arrayed herself in her best at- 
tire, which she had brought with her from home in 
anticipation she would require its use, and with 
more than ordinary care had sought to arrange her 
long glossy tresses in a graceful and becoming man- 
ner. The extraordinary length and beauty of her 
hair have been described by all who knew her, as 
singular and remarkable. Mrs. McNiel afterwards 

the fact of the engagement was well known among the officers of 
the army. 



LIFE OF JAJNE McCREA. 103 

was often heard to say it was a yard and a quarter in 
length ;* and Mrs. Carley in her life time was accus- 
tomed to assert that she had seen her, on more than 
one occasion walk with it unconfined, and that it 
trailed upon the floor. It is probable she was not 
aware that Lieutenant Yan Yechten's party had left 
the Fort, or if she was, it excited little if any appre- 
hension. Miss Thompson was the only person in 
the village that day who had the least suspicion of 
her intended movement. Why she concealed it 
from Mrs. McNiel, as she undoubtedly did, we are 
unable to account. The old lady was fluent as well 
as pleasant in conversation, but how far she was ca- 
pable of keeping a secret, we are not informed. If 
we were, perhaps a solution of the mystery might 
be presented. Had Miss Himter been at home, she 
would unquestionably have been admitted to her 
confidence, and the facts above related would have 
been mentioned in her subsequent recitals of the 
story. 

We come now to a point in our narrative where 
we are compelled to diverge from all the many ver- 
sions which have been published of this aflair. 
These, whatever difierent phases they may have 
assumed, are founded upon the relation originally 
given by Mrs. McNiel. She was, with the excep- 
tion of the negro servant woman, the only person 
that knew the particulars of the capture in the house. 
Of course, so far as those particulars are in question 

* Lossing, vol. i., page 99. 



104 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

her evidence is indisputable. If we understand cor- 
rectly the account of this transaction which is attri- 
buted to her, she did not witness the massacre at 
all, and was wholly unaware of it until she recog- 
nized Jenny's scalp, by the long hair attached to it, 
after her arrival in the British camp. Unconscious, 
as we have seen, of her young friend's intentions — 
ignorant of the movements of Duluth, and of the 
arrangements and expectations of David Jones, her 
knowledge of the circumstances and real causes 
which led to the disaster, was, in fact, no more than 
that of Albert Baker, or Samuel Standish, or any 
other person who witnessed from the Fort the sud- 
den tumult at the house of Mrs. M., and saw the 
savages hurrying their captives up the neighboring 
ascent. All she knew was, that the Indians came 
rushing towards her dwelling ; that in the alarm and 
fright the family sought to conceal themselves in the 
kitchen-cellar ; that she was dragged forth, conduct- 
ed rudely up the hill, stripped of most of her apparel, 
and in that plight carried into camp. Being thrown 
upon her face to avoid American bullets she heard 
so distinctly whistling above her head, is probably 
an embellishment of very modern origin. The par- 
ticulars of the murder, and David Jones' connection 
with the transaction, she only heard as others did at 
the time. Jenny did not survive, as her lover was 
destined to, to reveal the truth to her friends and 
relatives ; and therefore it is not to be wondered at 
that in her own family, forty-five years afterwards. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 105 

erroneous impressions in regard to the affair should 
be entertained, especially when it is remembered 
that David Jones, who could have enlightened 
them, left the country never to return/'" 

* The following correspondence was published in tlie Mohawk 
Herald at the time the communications bear date: 

Florida, Dec. 27, 1822. 

Dear Sir: — There was no event during our revolutionary strug- 
gle with Great Britain, that elicited more sympathy than the tra- 
gical fate of Miss McCrea. The time, and even the circumstances, 
attending that transaction, was peeiiliarly fitted to harrow up the 
minds of men to resistance and revenge. Wherever the story was 
told, and it was told throughout the Continent with the rapidity 
of lightning, every bosom Avas thrilled as by an electric shock, and 
beat in unison. Young as I then was, the horrors of that scene 
impressed my mind so deeply, that forty-six years have, in no part, 
effaced it. But the subsequent writers of that period of our his- 
tory have related the story very differently, and some have spelled 
the name erroneously. In order to correct in season every mis- 
take, I lately requested Col. McCrea, of Saratoga, to state all the 
facts, as they were known and believed in the family. This gen- 
tleman was nephew to Jane McCrea, and is distinguished for can- 
dor and probity ; and is perhaps better able to tell the story than 
any other living witness. The following is an extract from his let- 
ter. I hope you will think, with me, that it ought to be preserved, 
and give it a place in the Herald. Yours, (fee, 

S. REYNOLDS. 

Ballston, July 1st, 1822. 
Sir: — It is with no small degree of diffidence, I imdertake to 
commit to paper that which is known in our family concerning the 
late Jane McCrea ; and in yielding to this, I do it solely with the 
view of complying with your request, of transmitting to posterity 
something more of her "history than is at present extant. Miss 
Jane McCrea, who was killed by the Indians, at Fort Edward, July, 
1111, was the daughter of the lie v. James McCrea, fornierly pastor 
of a congregation in Lamington, N. J., but died previous to the 
Revolution. His eldest son. Col. John McCrea, had become a resi- 
dent of Albany, before his father's death, and his sister, Jane, di- 
rectly afterwards, repaired to his house and settled with him. In 
the year '73 they removed to that part of this county now known 
by the name of Northumberland, on the west side of the Hudson 



106 T.IFE OF JANE McCREA. 

Now, the facts, as always related by the lieu- 
tenant and his brother Solomon, who, besides their 
own personal connection with and knowledge of the 
matter, are corroborated by the statements of Du- 
luth and the important testimony of Mrs. Carley, 
are these. Jenny, having completed her toilet as 
already mentioned, was intently watching for the 
expected signal. Some accounts, prevalent at the 
time, insist that this signal was a letter from Jones, 
which the Indian held aloft in his hand. Whatever 
it was, she at length beheld it, and recognizing it as 
the sign agreed upon, silently and unnoticed left the 
house, and tripped along the path that led towards 
William Griffin's. 

river, about tliree miles north of Fort Miller Falls, and was here 
when his sister was killed. This was on Sunday morning, and it 
was evening before he received the fatal news. Early tlie next day 
he sent his family to Albany, and repaired himself to the American 
Camp, where he foimd his sister's corpse, shockingly mangled. Two 
of the neighboring women, whom he had brought with him, washed 
and dressed her remains ; and he had her interred with one Lien- 
tenant Van Vechten, three miles south of Fort Edward. She was 
twenty years of age, of an amiable and virtuous character, and 
highly esteemed by all her acquaintances. She was at this time on 
a visit to a family near Fort Edward. A Mrs. McNiel had persua- 
ded her to remain until the Monday following. Here she was con- 
cealed in the cellar when the Indians arrived, who, after ransack- 
ing the house, discovered her retreat and drew her out b}'^ the hair, 
and placing her on a horse, proceeded on the road towards Sandy 
Hill. They had gone but a short distance when they met another 
party of Indians, returning ftom Argyle, where they had killed the 
family of Mr. Barnes. This party disapproved of taking Miss Mc 
Crea to the British Camp, and one of them struck her with a toma- 
hawk, and tore off her scalp. It was said, and generally believed, 
that she was engaged in marriage to Capt. David Jones, of the 
British army. Capt, Jones survived her only a few years. 

I am, Sir, 

Your most Ob't. Serv't., 

JAMES McCREA. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 107 

She was moving forward quietly and undis- 
turbed, and bad partly ascended the first rise of 
ground, when to her utter astonisbment, and to the 
astonisbment of Dulutb and bis party, wbo were 
watcbing ber from tbeir place of concealment, tbe 
discbarge of musketry, followed by tbe terrible war- 
wboop, resounded tbrougb tbe air. Tbe sudden and 
startling clamor proceeded from tbe beigbts above. 
Presently, tbe flying Americans were seen rusbing 
down tbe bill directly towards ber, followed, like 
bloodbounds, by screecbing and painted savages. 
Turning about, as soon as tbe first moment of sur- 
prise was passed, sbe fled towards tbe bouse sbe 
bad just left, witb tbe speed of an affrigbted fawn. 
Tbe Americans precipitated tbemselves across tbe 
marsb that lay west of Mrs. M.'s, towards tbe Fort. 
Tbose wbo survived bad now approacbed so near 
tbe latter, as to render furtber pursuit in tbat direc- 
tion dangerous. Meanwbile, Jenny bad been per- 
ceived, and some six or eigbt stalwart barbarians, 
changing tbeir course, bounded after ber, reaching 
the bouse in a few moments after her entrance. 
The inmates, consisting of tbe old lady, Jenny, two 
small children and a black servant girl, hastily de- 
scended to tbe cellar. Mrs. McKiel, on account of 
ber extreme corpulency, was somewhat tardy in 
ber movements. Before she bad fully accomplished 
tbe descent into the cellar, she was seized. Jenny 
was also dragged forth, while tbe children and 
colored girl remained unobserved. Witb their cap- 



108 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

tives, and such plunder as could be hastily collected 
they hurried away in the direction of the camp. In 
consequence of their proximity to the Fort, not dis- 
tant more than eighty rods, their own safety de- 
manded the utmost expedition. Their stay in the 
house was of brief duration, not exceeding, perhaps, 
the length of time it has taken us to record the 
scene. Before the soldiers at the garrison could 
fully comprehend all that was transpiring before 
their eyes, the Indians were far beyond the reach of 
their muskets. 

To understand this sudden attack upon Yan 
Vechten's men, and the consequent capture of the 
ladies, it is necessary to go back a step in our nar- 
ration. Le Loup and his band, after the merciless 
destruction of the Allen family in Argyle, the pre- 
vious day, directed their course towards the camp 
at Kingsbury. They were loaded with i^lunder of 
various descriptions, and in the progress of their 
peregrinations had stolen a number of horses. The 
scalps of the murdered family dangled conspicuously 
from their war-belts. Prowling through the wilder- 
ness they had discovered Yan Yechten's party, and, 
at the unfortunate moment of Jane's departure, had 
made the attack upon it. A number of the Ameri- 
cans were killed, among them Lieutenant Yan 
Yechten. He fell just as his party began to descend 
the declivity, in its retreat. Had not Jane set out 
at that precise moment, or had she managed to have 
escaped observation, it is altogether probable the 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 109 

Indians would not have ventured forward as far as 
Mrs. McNiel's residence. It was, undoubtedly, the 
sight of the girl flying thither, that first suggested 
the idea of their advancing to it. 

Near the spring under the great pine, the road 
divided, the right-hand path leading past William 
Griffin's, the left running nearer the east bank of 
of the river. At this point they halted, and endea- 
vored to place their captives upon a couple of the 
stolen horses. The attempt to lift Mrs. McNiel 
on the back of one of the animals, by reason of her 
exceeding gravity was unsuccessful. Signifying by 
signs the impossibility of her being able to ride, a 
brace of brawny savages seized her by the arms and 
hurried her up the right-hand path. On arriving 
at the height of land, they unceremoniously stripped 
off her outer garments, and in a half-denuded state 
conducted her into camp. Her meeting with Gen- 
eral Fraser, her kinsman, was sooner than she 
expected, and under more embarrassing circum- 
stances than she had anticipated. Instead of greet- 
ing him with her accustomed affability, her first 
salutation was a storm of reproaches. She de- 
manded the cause of his sending his " scoundrel 
Indians " after her. General Fraser assured her he 
was guiltless of any intended disrespect, and ex- 
pressed much astonishment at what had taken place. 
In fact, he supposed she was still residing in New 
York, and did not anticipate the pleasure of meeting 
her until his arrival in that city. Every pains was 
6 



110 LIFE OF JA.NE McCREA. 

taken by him to>econcile her, and render her situa- 
tion as comfortable as circumstances would permit. 
He encountered a serious difficulty, however, in 
obtaining for her a suitable dress. The ladies in 
camp ransacked their baggage, but among the 
wardrobes of them all, there was not a gown of suf- 
ficiently vast dimensions to inclose her expansive 
figure. She was under the necessity, therefore, of 
using the general's camp coat for a garment, and 
his pocket handkerchief as a substitute for a cap. 

When Mrs. McNiel was seized by the two In- 
dians, at the junction of the roads near the Great 
Fine Tree, and hurried forward to the adjacent up- 
land, Jane had been seated by her captors on one of 
the stolen horses. She never saw her afterwards. 
A terrible scene followed presently, but not till she 
had passed over the eminence, and was out of sight. 
Just as the old lady was led away, Duluth and his 
meu, who had thus far been inactive but intent 
spectators of the whole proceeding, presented them- 
selves before the party of Le Loup. Duluth, as he 
subsequently, and no doubt truly, reported to Lieu- 
tenant Jones in the hearing and presence of his 
brother Solomon, stated the relation in which he 
stood towards the captured maiden, and demanded, 
as a right, the privilege of escorting her into camp. 
He explained, in Indian dialect, the strong obliga- 
tions he was under to protect her from harm or 
wrong. The captors, however, disregarded his de- 
mand ; they declined to recognize his right. The 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. m 

victim was within their grasp, bravely taken by 
their own hands, and as their covetous eyes sur- 
veyed the rich apparel wherewith she was adorned, 
loudly and decidedly refused to yield her up. It 
would have been well, under the circumstances, 
had Duluth refrained from further interference. It 
would have cost Jenny her bridal garments, but 
most probably have saved her life. In his anxiety, 
however, to fulfill liis pledge, he did not stop to de- 
liberate. Moreover, he afterwards declared, it did 
not occur to him, the girl's life was in danger. 
There was no object in taking it. Both parties were 
aware that friends were anxiously awaiting her ap- 
proach, and that it was their interest to preserve 
her from personal injury. While they were thus 
contending, it was announced that a detachment 
which had issued from the fort was approaching 
them. Presently was heard a report of firearms, 
the whistling of bullets, and the shouts of an ad- 
vancing force. There was no time for further parle}'". 
The horse upon which Jenny sat was urged forward. 
Duluth, regardless of the danger of delay, clutched 
at the bridle rein, determined she should proceed in 
his possession. Angry words were flung back and 
forth, and it was plain the savages would soon be 
battling among themselves. Provoked beyond con- 
trol by the pertinacity of Duluth, the fierce Le 
Loup, in a boiling and sudden flood of passion, 
sprang like a maddened tiger towards the object of 
contention, and whirling his tomahawk with incon- 



112 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

ceivable dexterity, buried its glittering blade deep 
within her side! As she fell to the ground, he 
wound her long hair round his accursed fingers, 
and in an instant, before a hand could be raised to 
stay him, was holding the bloody scalp aloft, and 
gazing at it with a look of ferocious and infernal 
triumph ! His companions tore the dress from her 
lifeless body, which those who sought to protect her 
bore a short space aside and covered with brush, 
when the whole party hurried quickly forward, — 
Duluth to recount the awful scene to the horrified 
lieutenant ; Le Loup to exhibit his trophies in the 
camp, and boast of them afterwards at the war 
dances of his tribe. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. US 



CHAPTER IX. 



The Excitement — Correspondence between Gates and Burgoyne — 
The people aroused — Announcement of the murder in the 
British camp — Its effect on David Jones — Sketch of his subse- 
quent life — The Jones famil}' — The recent claim — Discovery of 
Jenny's body — Evacuation of Fort Edward — The hasty burial — 
Le Loup condemned to death — His pardon — Burgoyne reaches 
the Hudson — The defeat at Bennington — Sketch of Gen. Stark 
— Affairs in the Mohawk Valley — Battle of Oriskany — Retreat 
of St. Leger — ^The mystery explained — Burgoyne's march to the 
Battenkill — His passage of the Hudson — The first battle of 
Bemus Heights — Justice to Arnold — Second battle of Bemus 
Heights — Death of Gen. Eraser — Desperation of Arnold — The 
Americans victorious — Burial of Eraser — Burgoyne's retreat — 
The surrender at Saratoga — Jenny's remains exhumed — The re- 
interment at Fort Edward — ^The second exhumation — Their 
present resting-place — ^The epitaph. 

The account of this dreadful tragedy at once 
circulated far and wide over the land, and every- 
where excited the liveliest emotions of sympathy. 
By every fireside, in public assemblies, in the na- 
tional counsels, it was told and re-told, until the 
story of Jane McCrea was known throughout the 
continent. It was the subject of songs and ballads.* 
It crossed the Atlantic, and was caught up by those 

* See Appendix, B. 



114: LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

who had opposed the war. In the House of Com- 
mons, while denouncing the ministry for having 
employed savages in the struggle against the Colo- 
nies, Burke repeated it with all the vehemence and 
power that characterized his glowing eloquence. 
It spread still farther, through France, Germany, 
Italy, and over all the nations of Europe that recog- 
nized the rules of civilized warfare ; and the inhu- 
manity of England in making allies of barbarians 
who could be guilty of such atrocious and cruel 
acts, was everywhere condemned. Among the 
patriots, the murder of the defenseless girl, excited 
emotions of unappeasable indignation. In the lan- 
guage of Mr. Keynolds, contained in his letter to 
James McCrea, which we have copied in a preced- 
ing note, it was indeed " peculiarly fitted to harrow 
up the minds of men to resistance and revenge." 
To fan the flame, and still more increase the excite- 
ment that prevailed, and which was daily bringing 
additional force to his standard. General Gates 
seized the first occasion that ofiered itself, to pen 
the letter to Burgoyne, which has been justly pro- 
nounced " more ornate than forcible, and abounding 
more in bad taste than simplicity and pathos, yet 
suited to the feelings of the moment."^ It had, 
however, notwithstanding Burgoyne's spirited reply, 
the effect intended. f 

* Sparks. 

f The British general had complained of the harsh treatment 
experienced by the provincial prisoners taken at Bennington, and 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 1X5 

How far this barbarity may have contributed to 
the final defeat of Burgoyne, and the maintenance 

requested that a surgeon from his army should be permitted to 
visit the wounded ; and that he might be allowed to furnish them 
with necessaries and attendants. "Duty and principle," he added, 
" make me a public enemy to the Americans who have taken up 
arms; but I seek to be a generous one; nor have I the shadow of 
resentment against any individual who does not induce it by acts 
derogatory to those maxims upon which all men of honor think 
alike." In answer to this letter, General Gates, who had just taken 
command of the American army, said, " That the savages of America 
should, in their warfare, mangle and scalp the unhappy prisoners 
who fall into their hands, is neither new nor extraordinary; but 
that the famous Lieutenant General Burgoyne, in whom the fine 
gentleman is united with the soldier and the scholar, should hire 
the savages of America to scalp Europeans, and the descendants of 
Europeans — nay more, that he should pay a price for every scalp so 
barbarously taken, is more than will be believed in Europe, until 
authenticated facts shall, in every gazette, confirm the truth of the 
horrid tale. 

" Miss McCrea, a young lady lovely to the sight, of virtuous 
character and amiable disposition, engaged to an officer of your 
army, was, with other women and children, taken out of a house 
near Fort Edward, carried into the woods, and there scalped and 
mangled in a most shocking manner. Two parents, with their six 
children, were all treated with the same inhumanity, while quietly 
resting in their once happy and peaceful dwelling. The miserable 
fate of Miss McCrea was particularly aggravated, by being dressed 
to receive her promised husband; but met her murderer employed 
by you. Upwards of one hundred men, women and children, have 
perished by the hands of the ruffians to whom, it is asserted, you 
have paid the price of blood." 

To this part of his letter. General Burgoyne replied, — " I have 
hesitated, sir, upon answering the other paragraphs of your letter. 
I disdain to justify myself against the rhapsodies of fiction and 
calumny, which from the first of this contest, it has been an unva- 



116 LIFE OF JANE McCEEA. 

of American Independence, is but matter of conjec- 
ture. Historians allude to it as one of the " power- 

ried American policy to propagate, but which no longer imposes 
on the world. I am induced to deviate from this general rule, in 
the present instance, lest my silence should be construed an ac- 
knowledgment of the truth of yom* allegations, and a pretense be 
thence taken for exercising future barbarities by the American 
troops. 

*' By this motive, and upon this only, I condescend to inform 
you, that I would not be conscious of the acts you presume to im- 
pute to me, for the whole continent of America, though the wealth 
of worlds was in its bowels, and a paradise upon its surface. 

"It has happened, that all my transactions wuth the Indian 
nations, last year and this, have been clearly heard, distinctly un- 
derstood, accurately minuted, by very numerous, and in many 
parts very unprejudiced persons. So immediately opposite to the 
truth is your assertion that I have paid a price for scalps, that one 
of the first regulations established by me at the great council in 
May, and repeated and enforced, and invariably adhered to since, 
was, that the Indians should receive compensation for prisoners, 
because it would prevent cruelty ; and that not only such compen- 
sation should be withheld, but a strict account demanded for scalps. 
These pledges of conquest, for such you well know they will ever 
esteem them, were solemnly and peremptorily prohibited to be 
taken from the wounded, and even the dying ; and the persons of 
aged men, women, children, and prisoners, were pronounced sacred, 
even in an assault. 

"In regard to Miss McCrea, her fall wanted not the tragic dis- 
play you have labored to give it, to make it as sincerely abhorred 
and lamented by me, as it can be by the tenderest of her friends. 
The fact was no premeditated barbarity. On the contrary, two 
chiefs who had brought her off for the purpose of security, not of 
violence to her person, disputed which should be her guard, and in 
a fit of savage passion in one, from w'hose hands she was snatched, 
the unhappy woman became the victim. Upon the first intelli- 
gence of this event, I obliged the Indians 1o deliver the murderer 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 117 

ful causes" that aroused the people, and induced 
them to " abhor and execrate an army which con- 
sented to act with such ferocious auxiliaries." The 
patriots of the north had become dejected from ill 
success. Defeat had attended them from the bor- 
ders of Canada. The " insolent foe " had broken 
down the barriers that opposed him, and was over- 
running their pleasant land. In the gloom that sur- 
rounded them, they beheld only the prospect of 
submission and despair. The massacre at Fort 
Edward startled them from their lethargy, and 
helped to inspire them with that stern determination 
which eventually proved irresistible. Indeed, it 
would seem that Providence had selected the be- 
trothed maiden on the shore of the Hudson, as a 
sacrifice to the drooping spirit of Liberty. 

If the story, as it floated on the popular breath 
to every hamlet and remote settlement in the land, 
awakened such intense feeling among the citizens at 
large, what must have been the emotions of her 
immediate friends, and how severe the agony of 
him, through whose unintentional instrumentality, 

into my hands; and, though to have punished him b^- our laws, or 
principles of justice, would have been pei'hajDs unprecedented, he 
certainly should have suffered an ignominious death, had I not 
been convinced from my circumstances and observation, beyond 
the possibility of a doubt, that a pardon, under the terms which I 
presented and they accepted, would be more efficacious than an 
execution, to prevent similar mischiefs. 

" The above instance excepted, 5"our intelligence respecting the 
cruelty of the Indians is false," 



118 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

the hideous butchery had occurred ! Immediately 
on the arrival of Le Loup's party, Mrs. McNiel rec- 
ognized the scalp, and gave free utterance to the 
most bitter denunciations of her murderers. Solo- 
mon, who was present at the recognition, and sup- 
posed his brothel* had not yet been informed of the 
occurrence, hastened in search of him to announce 
the melancholy intelligence. He found him alone 
in his tent, his bowed head resting on his hands. 
He called him by name, but he answered not. 
" David," he repeated ; and, as the voice fell upon his 
ear, the lieutenant slowly lifted up his head and 
gazed silently in his brother's face. There was that 
in the expression of his eyes and in his wild and 
haggard features, that told more forcibly than lan- 
guage could express, that the dreadful news had 
been conveyed to him, and that it had already 
withered up his heart. '' What did he say — did he 
become boisterous in his grief, when the scalp of 
Jenny met his eyes ?" — we inquired of his nephew, 
during his narration. " No, he did not rave," he 
replied. " My uncle Solomon said, he gazed at it 
long and steadfastly, speaking not a word, nor an- 
swering when spoken to : his mind seemed to be 
wandering and lost ; he was not himself." At 
length, he somewhat recovered from the terrible 
shock which, it was feared for a time, would entirely 
dethrone his reason ; but from that hour his whole 
nature appeared to have undergone a change. He 
had been noted for his love of social enjoyment ; 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. Hg 

he was the soul of every convivial gathering, and 
wherever he appeared, at the festival and the feast, 
was accustomed to "set the table in a roar." — 
Henceforth he shunned the presence of festivity, 
never more mingling in scenes of merriment, but 
chose rather to walk apart in gloomy and solitary 
auguish. From that time forward to the end of life, 
he who had laughed away his youth, was never seen 
to smile. He remained with the army until it sur- 
rendered at Saratoga. In the battle of Bemus 
Heights, he exhibited an utter recklessness of dan- 
ger, rushing amidst the thickest perils, as if deter- 
mined to throw away his life. When the cause he 
espoused was lost, and all the glowing hopes of 
youth had changed to ashes in his grasp, he bade 
farewell to the scenes where he had suffered so 
much misery, and retired with his brethren into 
Canada. There he selected a secluded residence, 
and passed the remainder of his life in solitude. — 
His friends were careful to avoid anv allusion, in 
his presence, to the incidents of the Revolution. 
He sometimes rehearsed the doleful story of his 
misfortunes, voluntarily, to his nephews and other 
relatives ; but it was of extremely rare occurrence. 
He nev^r revisited his old home on the Hudson, and 
never married. Every year, when the twenty- 
seventh of July returned, the fatal day on which the 
fortunes of his life were wrecked, he would shut 
himself in his room, and refuse to be seen by 
any one. Thus, for twenty years, he lingered 



120 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

through an unhappy existence, when his family, 
who had so long looked with pity on his shattered 
intellect and broken spirit, were called to lay him 
in the grave. 

Previous to the Revolution, there was, perhaps, 
no family settled on the upper waters of the Hud- 
son, who exerted greater influence or held more ex- 
tensive possessions, than the Joneses. Their landed 
estates included a section of country upon which 
large and thriving villages have since arisen, and 
which, in the progress of time, have become of al- 
most inestimable value. The fortunes of the war 
drove them from their inheritance. Their broad 
lands were confiscated; and among the later gener- 
ations that have dwelt upon them, but few probably 
have known aught of the history of their ancient 
owners. After the lapse of seventy-five years, how- 
ever, recent developments seem to indicate that the 
name of the old proprietors is about to become 
closely connected with the title of the soil. One of 
their descendants appeared before the Xew York 
Legislature of 1853, and presented a memorial to 
that body, wherein he claimed legal title to the for- 
feited estate of his ancestor. The claim r^sts upon 
the ground that the judgment of confiscation was 
not rendered until after the treaty of peace was 
signed between Great Britain and the United States. 
And inasmuch as, by the terms of that treaty, it was 
agreed there should be no future confiscations by 
reason of the part any person might have taken in 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 121 

the war, it is insisted by the claimant that the judg- 
ment rendered subsequently, is void, and that he is 
sustained in that position by decisions of both the 
State and Federal courts. The memorial was re- 
ferred to the Attorney General for his opinion, who 
afterwards submitted to the consideration of the Le- 
gislature a report favorable to the claim. *'^ 

Having traced the melancholy history of David 
Jones to the close of his joyless life, we return once 
more to the hill-side, to look upon the mutilated 
body of poor Jenny. Through the following night 
it remained in the same spot where Duluth had laid 
it. 'No one deemed it j^rudent to venture such a 
distance from the Fort, the afternoon succeeding the 
massacre. At dawn the next morning, a file of 
men were sent out in search of it. They found it, 
stark and ghastly, partially concealed beneath leaves 
and brush, and, near by, the corpse of VanYechten 
stretched upon the earth. When they returned, her 
brother, with some women from his neighborhood, 
had arrived at the Fort. He bent over her mangled 
remains and Avept in bitterness of spirit. He knelt 
down and kissed her bloody forehead, and would 
have clasped the decaying body in his arms, had 
not friends gently restrained him. They led him 
away from the sad spectacle, and kindly sought to 
soothe him with many unavailino- words of consol 
ation. 

lat morning th 

see Appendix, C. 



a 



That morning the Fort was evacuated. In ad- 



122 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

vance of the retreating Americans, a small detach- 
ment bore the bodies of the slain. The party halted 
three miles south of Fort Edward, on the bank of a 
small stream that flows into the Hudson. Here, in 
a rude grave, they laid Jenny down to her last 
sleep. Strong men wept aloud, as they turned from 
the humble sepulchre, and departed on their way. 

Such was the excitement following these events, 
as has previously been observed, that General Bur- 
goyne was induced to institute an inquiry into the 
matter. It was assuming too formidable an aspect 
to be " winked at." He assembled his Indians in 
council at Fort Ann, and having reminded them of 
his instructions at the great war-feast on the Boquet, 
demanded the surrender of the murderer, declaring 
he should suffer death. Le Loup was delivered up, 
and for a time it was determined that his execution 
should take place. He was at length pardoned, how- 
ever, upon condition that the savages should abstain 
from further barbarities, and strictly adhere for the 
future to their previous promises. Le Loup's influ- 
ence and prominence among the tribes Avas, perhaps, 
one cause of this unjust clemency. Besides, Bur- 
goyne affected to believe, and possibly may have in 
reality supposed, that he was not authorized by the 
laws of England to impose the punishment of death 
upon the murderer ; '' as if" says the Italian histo- 
rian of the Eevolution, " there existed not other laws 
besides the English, which bound him to inflict a 
just chastisement upon the perpetrator of a crime so 



LIFE OP^ JANE McCREA. 123 

execrable.*" But this ill-advised mercy of the Brit- 
ish General soon after recoiled upon himself. Re- 
strained from further gratifying their insatiable 
thirst for blood, large numbers deserted, returning 
to their country, pillaging and plundering by the 
way. 

The royal army moved forward to Fort Edward, 
and took possession of that post on the 30th of July. 
On arriving at the Hudson, the English " were seized 
with a delirium of joy." It was the point to which 
they had long looked forward with the utmost 
eagerness. It had been reached at last, at the ex- 
pense of many toils and incredible hardships. Now 
they flattered themselves with the delusion that a 
speedy victory could no longer escape them. They 
little dreamed how soon their brilliant hopes were 
to be succeeded by anxiety, embarrassment, and the 
mortification of defeat. 

Here, until the fifteenth of August, they were la- 
boriously employed in forwarding supplies from the 
head of Lake George to the navigable part of the 
Hudson. From here, also, he dispatched the expe- 
dition to Bennington, the most important incident in 
the history of the campaign. It was the prelude to 
the surrender at Saratoga. It settled the treatment 
of prisoners, and may be said to have secured the 
independence of the country. General Stark's vic- 
tory over Baume at Bennington, was the first re- 
turning wave of American good fortune, that finally 
overwhelmed Burgoyne "and all his host."* 

* Gen. John Stark, the hero of this battle, was born at London- 



124 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

Meantime, the aflfairs of the English were becom- 
ing desperate in the country of the Mohawks. Col. 
St. Leger having penetrated by the way of Oswego 

deny, New Hampshire, iu 1728. When a 3^ouug man he was taken 
by the St. Francis Indians, and carried to Canada. From this cap- 
tivity he was released by the payment of a ransom obtained from 
his friends, which he afterwards repaid from the profits of hunting 
expeditions. When the five companies of Rangers were raised by 
Major Rogers, iu 1*755, Stark was made lieutenant of one of them. 
Distinguishing himself in this body, he was made captain, and in- 
creased his reputation by his prowess in every campaign. From 
the peace of 1*763 to '75, he was engaged as a farmer ; but hearing 
of the battle of Lexington, at once repaired to Cambridge. There 
receiving a commission as colonel, he hastened to raise a regiment 
in his native State. He was marching towards Cambridge when 
the battle of Bunker Hill commenced, and led his troops directly 
to the attack. His bravery on this occasion was worthy of his 
former reputation. In the campaign of 1776, he proceeded from 
New York to Canada. He was at Princeton, and commanded the 
right wing at the battle of Trenton. Being overlooked in the pro- 
motion of officers in the spring of 1777, he retired to his farm. In 
July, of that year, he accepted the command of the New Hamp- 
shire troops, on condition that he should not be obliged to serve 
under any continental officer. He marched to Bennington, where 
he defeated a German force under Count Baume. For this victo- 
ry he received the thanks of Congress, and was appointed Briga- 
dier-General by that body. Recruiting a new force, he reached 
Saratoga in season to assist in the capture of Burgoyne. General 
Stark continued in the army till the close of the Revolution, when 
he retired again to his farm. He enjoyed a green old age, living 
until he was ninety-three years old. He died iu 1822, and over 
his ashes a monument has been erected by his family. He was a 
man of robust constitution and great firmness of character. He 
was brave, honest, and direct. To the last years of his life he con- 
versed upon the events of the past with energy and patriotism, 
detailing his border fights with graphic minuteness," — Knapp. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 125 

and the Oneida Lake to Fort Schuyler (now Eome), 
encamped under its walls on the 3d of August. It 
has been seen that, on separating in Canada, it was 
the understanding between St. Leger and Burgoyne, 
that they should descend the Mohawk and Hudson 
simultaneously at the head of their respective forces, 
and unite in the vicinity of Albany. This plan of 
operations was disclosed to the Americans by Thom- 
as Spencer, a Sachem of the Oneidas, which he man- 
aged to obtain from Daniel Claus, a son-in-law of 
Sir William Johnson. Thus, aware of the general 
designs of the enemy, the Americans had time to 
fortify Fort Schuyler, or, as it is as often designated, 
Fort Stanwix, with more skill and defend it with 
greater success than St. Leger had expected. On 
the arrival of the latter, it was occupied by the regi- 
ments of Colonels Gansevoort and Willett, who were 
joined the same day by two hundred men under 
Lieutenant Colonel Mellon. At the same time Gen- 
eral Herkimer had assembled the militia of Try on 
County, and was marching to the relief of the gar- 
rison. Having reached the mouth of Oriskany 
Creek, he sent a courier to inform Col. Gansevoort of 
his advance. Before the arrival of the courier, how- 
ever, St. Leger had received intelligence of Herki- 
mer's approach, and detached a body of Indians and 
Rangers under Butler and Brant, and a division of 
Johnson's Greens, under Major Watts, to intercept 
him. They concealed themselves .in ambush in a 
deep ravine, into which the Provincials, unsuspicious 



126 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

of the enemy, unhesitatingly entered, followed by 
their baggage wagons. At a signal from Brant the 
war-whoop sounded, and the Americans found them- 
selves unexpectedly surrounded by a host of savages, 
who seemed to have suddenly arisen from the bow- 
els of the earth. A battle of six hours ensued, which 
has been pronounced "the bloodiest encounter in 
proportion to the numbers engaged, that occurred 
during the war." In one of the pauses of the storm, 
a firing was heard in the direction of the Fort. The 
Americans at once comprehended its import, and 
with increased energy renewed the strife. It assur- 
ed them that the courier had arrived, and that the 
sortie which Herkimer had recommended was being 
made. Such, indeed, was the fact. As soon as ar- 
rangements could be made, after the arrival of the 
messenger. Col. Marinus Willett at the head of a 
detachment, sallied out and fell upon the camp oc- 
cupied by Sir John Johnson and his Koyal Greens. 
The attack was so sudden that Sir John was unable 
to bring his troops into order, which fled in dismay 
beyond the river. The Indians, also, seized with 
panic, buried themselves in the surrounding forests. 
Meantime, the battle of Oriskany was raging furi- 
ously. At length the savages, finding their ranks 
thinning rapidly, raised the cry of retreat, and were 
pursued by Herkimer's forces with shouts of victo- 
ry. Notwithstanding this result. Fort Schuyler was 
so closely besieged^that Col. Gansevoort was unable 
to obtain correct intelligence in regard to the termi- 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 127 

nation of the conflict. St. Leger compelled Col.Bil- 
linger and Major Frey, who had been taken prison- 
ers, to direct a letter to him, filled with deliberate 
misrepresentations, and the next morning demanded 
the immediate surrender of the fortress, gravely as- 
suring Gansevoort that the Americans had been cut 
to pieces at Oriskany, and that Burgoyne was in 
possession of Albany. The undismayed commander 
promptly refused, expressing his determined resolu- 
tion to defend the post to the last extremity. The 
siege was vigorously prosecuted; the ammunition 
and provisions in the Fort were rapidly diminishing ; 
and there were not wanting those who openly hint- 
ed that surrender was inevitable. Under such cir- 
cumstances, the astonishment of the garrison can 
easily be imagined, when on the morning of the 
22d of August, they beheld the enemy breaking up 
their camp, and flying with such precipitation from 
the Fort, that their tents, artillery, and camp equip- 
age were left behind ! 

The cause of this most mysterious movement was 
soon explained. Arnold, who was at the mouth of 
the Mohawk, had been dispatched by Schuyler to 
the relief of Gansevoort. Aware that his limited 
force was too in considerable to hazard an engage- 
ment, he conceived a stratagem, while resting at 
Fort Dayton, which was attended with remarkable 
success. Among the tory prisoners then at that 
post was one Hew Yost Schuyler, who had been 
taken as a spy, and condemned to death. His 
mother and brother, who lived at Little Falls, has- 



128 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

tened to Fort Dayton, and pleaded with Arnold for 
his life. It was granted on condition that he would 
make his way into St. Leger's camp and alarm the 
Indians by the announcement, that an overwhelming 
army was advancing upon them. The condition 
was accepted, and his brother retained as a hostage 
to secure his fidelity. The crafty tory departed for 
Fort Schuyler, and on his way fell in with an Onei- 
da who readily joined in the enterprise. Hew Yost, 
having punctured his coat in several places, entered 
St. Leger's camp in breathless agitation, proclaiming 
that a vast army was at hand, led by the formidable 
Arnold, and pointing to his riddled garment, de- 
clared he had only escaped destruction by an abso- 
lute miracle. The Indians flocked around him and 
looked in each others' faces with surprise and alarm, 
as the terrible name of Arnold was announced. Pres- 
ently, and according to agreement, the Oneida ap- 
peared among them, more than corroborating the 
statements they had heard. He added that Bur- 
goyne and all his forces had been taken prisoners, — 
an assertion the more easily credited, from the fact 
that vague rumors of the defeat at Bennington had 
been already received. He represented the ap. 
proaching hosts, as exceeding in number all the 
tribes of the red man that had ever dwelt in the coun- 
try of the Mohawks— in his own language, " more 
numerous than the leaves on the trees.'- The sav- 
ages, seized with uncontrollable alarm, resolved to 
flee. Neither threats nor promises could induce 
them to remain. The panic became general through- 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 129 

out the camp, and soon the whole beleaguering army 
were in disordered retreat. Its scattered remnants, 
hungry and half naked, collected at Oswego, and 
from thence accompanied St. Leger back to Canada. 

The shock produced by the defeat at Benning- 
ton, was soon followed by intelligence of the failure 
of St. Leger. Burgoyne began to find his position 
critical in the extreme. While these disasters were 
causing lukewarm loyalists to withdraw from him, 
hundreds of patriots were flocking to the American 
camp. A large body of militia under General 
Lincoln, having penetrated the country by the way 
of Manchester and Pawlet, were lying in rear of 
him. Gates, who had unjustly succeeded Schuyler, 
was stationed with the main army at Van Schaik's 
Island, from whence he proceeded up the river to 
Bemus Heights. ISTotwithstanding the difficulties 
that multiplied around him, Burgoyne remained 
steady to his purpose. The disasters that had be- 
fallen him produced no disposition to abandon the 
enterprise. Accordingly, he marched down the east 
bank of the Hudson to the Battenkill, from which 
point he crossed the river on the 13th and 14:th of 
September, and encamped on the plain of Saratoga, 
determined to decide the fate of the expedition in a 
general engagement. By the morning of the 18thj 
he had moved down within two miles of the Ameri- 
can camp, and here he halted and made ready for 
battle. 

The morning of the 19th of September, 1777, at 



130 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

length dawned — a clear, cool morning, precursor of 
the day destined to decide the fortunes of America. 
At ten o'clock the British army was in motion, Bur- 
goyne in the center, flanked on the left by Phillips 
and Eeidesel, on the right by Eraser and Breyman. 
About noon. Col. Morgan and Major Dearborn 
marched out and attacked the Canadians and In- 
dians on the hills. At the same time, a brisk skir- 
mish ensued between the American pickets and a 
party of loyalists and savages, on the low land bor- 
dering the river. Meanwhile Arnold and Eraser 
met on the plain above, disputing the ground inch 
by inch, and displaying on both sides deeds of des- 
perate valor. At three o'clock, there was a brief 
cessation of hostilities. Each army paused for 
breath, snatching a moment to gather up their ex- 
hausted energies. They were so near as to hear the 
orders as they passed along the respective lines. 
Again the contest was renewed. And now, like the 
ebbing and flowing of the tide, the long line of bat- 
tle waved to and fro, until darkness fell upon the 
scene, when the weary patriots retired within their 
lines, while the British laid down upon their arms. 
It was substantially an American victory ; and jus- 
tice demands of the impartial historian to record the 
fact, that it was owing principally to the chivalrous 
exertions of Benedict Arnold, who, notwithstanding 
his subsequent recreancy, which no plea of injustice 
or neglect can palliate, was as brave a man as ever 
battled in the ranks of freedom. 



LIFE OF JANE MoCREA. 131 

Having slept upon the field, the enemy, on the 
morning of the 20th, surprised at the bold resistance 
of the patriots, and seeing the futility of attempting 
to carry their works by storm, resolved to strengthen 
his position, and wait the co-operation of Sir Henry 
Clinton. From this time to the 7th of October, the 
contending parties lay within reach of each others' 
cannon. Meanwhile, the Americans were constantly 
increasing in strength, while the British were every 
day diminishing. The Indians, disappointed in 
their hopes of plunder, and remembering it was the 
hunting season, became suddenly solicitous for the 
welfare of those whom they had left in their wig- 
wams, and deserted in droves. 

At length the enemy, despairing of aid from Clin- 
ton, reduced to short allowance, and entangled in a 
web of perils, were driven to the necessity of igno- 
miniously retreating, or hazarding the chances of 
another struggle. The latter alternative was adopted. 
On the 7th of October, therefore, a body of Canadi- 
ans and loyalists attacked the American pickets, and, 
being joined by a reinforcement, were driving the 
patriots before them, until checked by Morgan's 
riflemen after a hot contest of half an hour. Bur- 
goyne, in the mean time, had drawn up his army in 
the following order : The light infantry under Earl 
Balcarras, were placed on the extreme right ; the 
artillery and grenadiers commanded by Majors Wil- 
liams and Ackland, on the left ; the Hessians with 
a division of British troops, occupied the center un- 



132 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

der Phillips and Keidesel; while General Fraser, 
with a body of picked men, was stationed in advance 
of the western extremity of the right wing, with in- 
structions to fall upon the enemy's flank and rear, 
as soon as the attack should commence in front. 
The intentions of the British were perceived, and to 
counteract their movements it was arranged, that the 
brigades of Generals Poor and Learned,should attack 
the artillery and grenadiers composing Burgoyne's 
left wing, while Morgan's riflemen who were di- 
rected to march, under cover of the woods and by a 
circuitous route, to a position in flank of Eraser's di- 
vision, should at the same time fall upon the latter 
force. At half past two o'clock in the afternoon, 
General Poor drew up his men, and, ordering them 
to reserve their fire until they had commenced as- 
cending the eminence on which the artillery and 
grenadiers were posted, advanced steadily and 
silently to the attack. The men obeyed the order, 
moving firmly forward, while showers of grape shot 
and musket balls swept, fortunately, over their 
heads, making havoc among the branches of the 
trees. At length, the signal of attack was given. It 
was answered with a shout ; and such was the fierce 
vigor displayed by the Americans, that in thirty 
minutes the grenadiers retreated, leaving their com- 
mander badly wounded and the ground strewn with 
their dead and dying. 

Morgan's riflemen had reached the desired posi- 
tion on the western heights. At the first sound of 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 133 

battle, he descended like an avalanche on the 
advanced body under Fraser, and having driven it 
before him, wheeled rapidly to the left, attacking 
the British right wing with such unexpected and 
resistless energy, that it was thrown into sudden and 
complete confusion. At this moment. Dearborn 
with fresh troops attacked the enemy in front. The 
whole right wing gave way, and were flying from 
the field ; but Earl Balcarras succeeded in rallying 
them, and bringing them once more into action. 

In consequence of previous difficulties, origin- 
ating, as many suppose, in personal jealousy, 
Arnold had been deprived of his command. On 
this day, he was even denied the privilege of taking 
any part whatever in the action. Nevertheless, he 
watched with intense interest ever^^ movement of the 
opposing armies. His soul longed to mingle in the 
battle. At length, when he saw the enemy return- 
ing, after their temporary flight, his restless spirit 
would no longer brook control. Mounting his 
horse, he galloped to the field, and placing himself 
at the head of a part of his old division, was greeted 
with enthusiastic acclamation. Major Armstrong 
was sent by Gates to order him back, but the 
enraged general soon placed himself where it was 
dangerous to follow. At the head of his men, he 
dashed furiously upon the Hessians, wildly bran- 
dishing his sword above his head, and seeking dan- 
ger wherever it was most imminent. The action 
now became general. Fraser was the master spirit 
7 



134 LlY'E OF JANE McCREA. 

on the side of the British. He brought order out of 
confusion, and inspired his wavering troops with 
courage. Mounted on a splendid gray, and clad 
in full uniform, he was everywhere conspicuous. 
Morgan saw that the fate of the battle depended 
upon him. Calling a file of men, he pointed 
towards the doomed general, remarking, " I admire 
and honor him, but it is necessary he should die." 
"Within five minutes he fell from his war horse, and 
was carried, mortally wounded, into camp. 

Burgoyne now took command in person; but the 
panic which spread along the line when Fraser fell, 
was increased by the arrival of Tenbroeck with a 
large body of New- York troops ; and he could no 
longer keep up the sinking courage of his men. 
They fled precipitately, followed in their tumult- 
uous retreat, by the Americans, up to their very en- 
trenchments. Arnold, meanwhile, was the control- 
ling spirit on the field. From out the smoke and 
flame, his loud voice was heard animating the 
soldiers ; and wherever danger was most terrible, 
he was in the midst of it. At the head of a brave 
band, he rushed into the camp of Earl Balcarras — 
beat down the bayonets that opposed him, and 
spurred on, through a shower of leaden hail, to 
where the Germans were entrenched. This gallant 
feat closed the contest. The Hessians, terrified at 
his approach, delivered a volley — that killed his 
horse and severely wounded him in the leg — and 
retreated in dismay. At dusk, when the battle was 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 135 

won, Major Armstrong succeeded in finding Arnold 
at the sally-port, lying wounded and disabled, by 
the side of his dead horse, and presented him Gates' 
order to return to camp, lest he " might do some 
rash thing !" 

During the night the British abandoned their 
camp, which the Americans took possession of in 
the morning. General Fraser, whose wound had 
proved mortal, was buried at six o'clock in the 
evening of the 8th, on the top of a high mountain, 
in obedience to his dying wish.* The burial was 
witnessed by himdreds, of both armies. The Amer- 
icans, ignorant of what was taking place, at first 
kept up a cannonade on the redoubt. As soon, how- 
ever, as it was ascertained that the solemn proces- 
sion that had wound up the mountain, were con- 
signing the body of Fraser to the grave, minute 
guns were fired in homage to his memory. It was 
a sad spectacle ; and Burgoyne thus describes it: — 
" The incessant cannonading during the solemnity ; 
the steady attitude and unaltered voice with which 
the chaplain ofiiciated, though frequently covered 
with dust, which the shot threw up on all sides of 
him ; the mute but expressive mixture of sensibility 

* " I heard him often exclaim, * fatal ambition ! Poor General 
Burgoyne ! Oh ! my poor wife /' He was asked if he had any re- 
quest to make, to which he replied that, if General Burgoyne 
would permit it, he should like to be buried at six o^clock in the 
evening, on the top of a mountain, in a redoubt which had been built 
there. About eight o'clock in the morning he died." — Letters of 
Baroness Reidesel. 



136 I^IFE OF JANE McCREA. 

and indignation upon every countenance, — thes;; 
objects will remain to the last of life upon the mind 
of every man who was present. The growing duski- 
ness added to the scenery, and the whole would 
make one of the finest subjects for the pencil of a 
master that the field ever exhibited." 

As soon as the burial of Fraser was over, under 
cover of night, and in the midst of a cold, severe 
storm, Burgoyne commenced his retreat, and arriv- 
ed at Saratoga (now Schuylerville) on the evening 
of the 9th. It had been his intention to cross the 
river at this place; but Gates had anticipated him, 
and stationed a strong force on the opposite shore. 
He then resolved to proceed as far as Fort Edward, 
and at that point force his way over the Hudson 
and obtain possession of the fortress. The advanced 
party sent forward, however, found the Fort in pos- 
session of the Americans, and was compelled to re- 
turn to camp. The unlucky general now found 
himself entirely surrounded. The main body of the 
Americans lay south of him ; Morgan and his corps 
in rear ; Fellows, with three thousand men occupied 
the farther shore directly in his front, while numer- 
ous small detachments of militia and volunteers 
were watching him from every point. A more 
disheartening and utterly hopeless situation can 
scarcely be conceived. They were exposed to a 
constant fire ; the Canadians and loyalists were de- 
serting ; there was not a place of refuge for the sick, 
or for the ladies and children of the ofiicers. Not 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 137 

a word came from Clinton ; none but women dared 
venture to the river for water ; there were not four 
days' provisions on hand, and not the slightest pros- 
pect of obtaining more. Exhausted with fatigue 
and suffering, gnawed by hunger, distressed with 
thirst, threatened with speedy and inevitable de- 
struction — the last flickering ray of hope was at 
length extinguished. The proud spirit of the haugh- 
ty Briton was forced to bend. On the 13th, in a 
general council of officers, it was resolved to com- 
municate to Gen. Gates a proposition to surrender ; 
on the ITth the conquered army left their quarters 
on the heights, and, marching down dejectedly to 
the water side, grounded their arms. The same 
evening the English and Hessians departed on their 
journey across the country to Massachusetts Bay, as 
provided for in the fourth article of the capitulation, 
while the remaining Indians, the relics of Bur- 
goyne's aboriginal force, were placed under a strong 
guard for protection and safe-keeping. "Without 
this precautionary measure they would have been 
sacrificed by the exasperated militia ; because, says 
the historian of the campaign, " the murder of Jane 
McCrea had hardened every heart against them, 
and prevented the plea of mercy from being inter- 
posed in their behalf." * Thus terminated an expe- 
dition which cost Great Britain immense treasure, 
and which, at setting out, it was confidently pre- 

* Neilson. 223. 



138 LIFE OF JANE McCREA. 

dieted by the enemies of liberty, would " crush 
every part of America." 

For half a century the bones of Jenny remained 
undisturbed in the humble grave on the shore of the 
Hudson. At the end of that period they were ex- 
humed, and, followed by a long procession, borne in 
solemn pomp to the burial ground of Fort Edward 
village. 'Near the ruins of the old fortress, in the 
presence of young men and maidens, and a vast 
multitude of people that the unusual ceremony had 
attracted thither, they were deposited by the side 
of those of her old friend, Mrs. McNiel. One of 
the most eloquent orators"^ of his time, pronounced 
a funeral discourse ; and " all Fort Edward wept," 
as he recounted, with melting pathos, the melan- 
choly story of her life. But her remains were not 
destined to rest there forever. In 1852, they were 
conveyed to the beautiful cemetery, just over the 
brow of the hill at whose base the clear water of 
the spring still gurgles up between the decaying 
roots of the Old Pine. There, close by the spot 
where her young life was so rudely taken, and where 
a second generation of pines cast their shadows on 
the graves of a succeeding generation of men, they 
now repose. Over " the poor handful of earth," af- 
fection has raised a graceful monument, whereon is 
inscribed her name and age, the time and manner 
of her death, and underneath is written : 

"To commemorate one of the most thrilling 

* Rev. Hooper Cummings, of Albany. 



LIFE OF JANE McCREA. I39 

events of the American Revolution, to do justice to 
the memory of the gallant British officer to whom 
she was affianced, and as a simple tribute to the 
memory of the departed, this stone is erected by her 



APPENDIX. 



A. 



The following account of the battle of Bennington, is taken 
from the narrative of an officer who accompanied Baume on the 
expedition. After describing minutely all the incidents of the 
march, up to the morning of the engagement, he proceeds : — 

"The morning of the 16th rose beautifully serene. The storm 
of the preceding day having expended itself, not a cloud was left 
to darken the face of the heavens ; whilst the very leaves hung 
motionless, and the long grass waved not, under the influence of a 
perfect calm. Every object around, too, appeared to peculiar ad- 
vantage ; for the fields looked green and refreshed, the river was 
swollen and tumultuous, and the branches were all loaded with 
dew-drops, which glittered in the sun's early rays like so many 
diamonds. Nor would it be easy to imagine any scene more rife 
with peaceful and even pastoral beauty. Looking down from the 
summit of the rising ground, I beheld immediately beneath me a 
wide sweep of stately forest, interrupted at remote intervals by 
green meadows or yellow cornfields; whilst here and there, a 
cottage, a shed, or some other primitive edifice, reared its modest 
head, as if for the purpose of reminding the spectator, that man 
had begun his inroads upon nature, without as yet taking away 
from her simplicity and grandeur. I hardly recollect a scene 
which struck me at the moment more forcibly, or which has left 
a deeper or more lasting impression on my memory. 

"I have said that the morning of the 16th rose beautifully 



142 APPENDIX. 

serene; and it is not to the operations of the elements alone that 
my expression applies. All was perfectly quiet at the outposts, 
not an enemy having been seen, nor an alarming sound heard, for 
several hours previous to sunrise. So peaceable, indeed, was the 
aspect which matters bore, that our leaders felt warmly disposed 
to resume the offensive, without waiting the arrival of the addi- 
tional corps for which they had applied ; and orders were already 
issued for the men to eat their breakfasts, preparatory to more 
active operations. But the arms were scarcely piled, and the 
haversacks unslung, when symptoms of a state of affairs different 
from that which had been anticipated, began to show themselves, 
and our people were recalled to their ranks in all haste, almost as 
soon as they had quitted them. From more than one quarter, 
scouts came in to report that columns of armed men were ap- 
proaching ; though whether with a friendly or hostile intention, 
neither their appearance nor actions enabled our informants to 
ascertain. 

It has been stated, that during the last day's march our little 
corps was joined by many of the country people ; most of whom 
demanded and obtained arms, as persons friendly to the royal 
cause. How Colonel Baume became so completely duped as to 
place reliance on these men, I know not ; but, having listened with 
complacency to their previous assurances, that in Bennington a 
large majority of the populace were our friends, he was somehow 
or other persuaded to believe, that the armed bands of whose ap- 
proach he was warned, were loyalists on their way to make a 
tender of their services to the leader of the king's troops. Filled 
with this idea, he dispatched positive orders to the outposts, that 
no molestations should be offered to the advancing columns ; but 
that the pickets, retiring before them, should join the main body, 
where every disposition was made to receive either friend or foe. 
Unfortunately for us, these orders were but too faithfully obeyed. 
About half-past nine o'clock, I, who was not in the secret, beheld, 
to my utter amazement, our advanced parties withdraw without 
firing a shot, from thickets which might have been maintained for 
hours against any superiority of numbers ; and the same thickets 
quickly occupied by men, whose whole demeanor, as well as their 



APPENDIX. 143 

dress and style of equipment, plainly and incontestably pointed 
them out as Americans. 

I cannot pretend to describe the state of excitation and alarm 
into which our little band was now thrown. With the solitary ex- 
ception of our leader, there was not a man amongst us who ap- 
peared otherwise than satisfied that those to whom he had listened 
were traitors; and that unless some prompt and vigorous measures 
were adopted, their treachery would be crowned with its full re- 
ward. Captain Fraser, in particular, seemed strongly imbued with 
the conviction that we were willfully deceived. He pointed out, 
in plain language, the extreme improbability of the story which 
these deserters had told, and warmly urged our chief to withdraw 
bis confidence from them ; but all his arguments proved fruitless* 
Colonel Baume remained convinced of their fidelity. He saw no 
reason to doubt that the people whose approach excited so much 
apprehension, were the same of whose arrival he had been fore- 
warned ; and he was prevented from placing himself entirely in 
their power, only by the positive refusal of his followers to obey 
orders given to that effect, and the rash impetuosity of the enemy. 
We might have stood about half an hour under arms, watching 
the proceedings of a column of four or five hundred men, who, 
after dislodging the pickets, had halted just at the edge of the open 
country, when a sudden trampling of feet in the forest on our 
right, followed by the report of several muskets, attracted our at- 
tention. A patrol was instantly sent in the direction of the sound ; 
but before the party composing it had proceeded many yards from 
the lines, a loud shout, followed by a rapid though straggling fire 
of musketry, warned us to prepare for a meeting the reverse of 
. friendly. Instantly the Indians came pouring in, carrying dismay 
and confusion in their countenance and gestures. We were sur- 
rounded on all sides ; columns were advancing everywhere against 
us, and those whom we had hitherto treated as friends, had only 
waited till the arrival of their support might justify them in ad- 
vancing. There was no falsehood in these reports, though made 
by men who spoke rather from their fears than their knowledge. 
The column in our front no sooner heard the shout, than they re- 
plied cordially and loudly to it ; then, firing a volley with deliber- 



144 APPENDIX. 

ate and murderous aim, rushed furiously towards us. Now then, 
at length, our leader's dreams of security were dispelled. He 
found himself attacked in front and flank by thrice his numbers, 
who pressed forward with the confidence which our late proceed- 
ings were calculated to produce ; whilst the very persons in whom 
he had trusted, and to whom he had given arms, lost no time in 
turning them against him. These fellows no sooner heard their 
comrades cry, than they deliberately discharged their muskets 
amongst Reidesel's dragoons ; and dispersing before any steps 
could be taken to seize them, escaped, with the exception of one or 
two, to their friends. 

If Colonel Baume had permitted himself to be duped into a 
great error, it is no more than justice to confess, that he exerted 
himself manfully to remedy the evil, and avert its consequences. — 
Our little band, which had hitherto remained in column, was in- 
stantly ordered to extend ; and the troops lining the breastwork, 
replied to the fire of the Americans with extreme celerity and con- 
siderable efi'ect. So close and destructive, indeed, was our first 
volley, that the assailants recoiled before it, and would have re- 
treated, in all probability, within the wood ; but ere we could take 
advantage of the confusion produced, fresh attacks developed 
themselves, and we were warmly engaged on every side, and from 
all quarters. It became evident that each of our detached posts 
was about to be assailed at the same instant. Not one of our dis- 
positions had been concealed from the enemy, who, on the con- 
trary, seemed to be aware of the exact number of men stationed at 
each point; and they were one and all threatened by a force per- 
fectly adequate to bear down opposition, and yet by no means dis- 
proportionably large, or such as to render the main body ineffi- 
cient. All, moreover, was done with the sagacity and coolness of 
veterans, who perfectly understood the nature of the resistance to 
be expected, and the difficulties to be overcome; and who, having 
well considered and matured their plans, were resolved to carry 
them into execution at all hazards, and at every expense of life. 

It was at this moment, when the heads of columns began to 
show themselves in rear of our right and left, that the Indians, 
who had hitherto acted with spirit, and something like order, lost 



APPENDIX. 145 

all confidence and fled. Alarmed at the prospect of having their 
retreat cut off, they stole away, after their own fashion, in single 
files, in spite of the strenuous remonstrances of Baume, and of 
their own ofiicers, leaving us more than ever exposed, by the 
abandonment of that angle of the intrenchments which they had 
been appointed to maintain. But even this spectacle, distressing 
as it doubtless was, failed in affecting our people with a feeling at 
all akin to despair. The vacancy which the retreat of the savages 
occasioned, was promptly filled up by one of our two field-pieces, 
whilst the other poured destruction upon the enemy in front, as 
often as they showed themselves in the open country, or threatened 
to advance. 

In this state things continued upwards of three quarters of 
an hour. Though repeatedly assailed in front, flanks, and rear, we 
maintained ourselves with so much obstinacy, as to inspire a hope 
that the enemy might even yet be kept at bay till the arrival of 
Breyman's corps, now momentarily expected ; when an accident 
occurred, which at once put an end to this expectation, and ex- 
posed us, almost defenseless, to our fate. The solitary tumbril 
which contained the whole of our spare ammunition, became ig- 
nited, and blew up with a violence which shook the very ground 
under our feet, and caused a momentary cessation in firing, both 
on our side and that of the enemy. But the cessation was onlyfor 
a moment. The American officers, guessing the extent of our ca- 
lamity, cheered their men on to fresh exertions. They rushed up 
the ascent with redoubled ardor, in spite of the heavy volley which 
we poured in to check them ; and finding our guns silent, they 
sprang over the parapet, and dashed within our works. For a few 
seconds the scene which ensued defies all power of language to de- 
scribe. The bayonet, the butt of the rifle, the saber, the pike, were 
in full play ; and men fell, as they rarely fall in modern war, un- 
der the direct blows of their enemies. But such a struggle could 
not, in the nature of things, be of long continuance. Outnumbered, 
broken, and somewhat disheartened by late events, our people wa- 
Tered, and fell back, or fought singly and unconnectedly, till they 
were either cut down at their posts, obstinately defending them- 
selves, or compelled to surrender. Of Reidesel's dismounted dra- 



146 APPENDIX. 

goons, few survived to tell how nobly they had behaved ; Colonel 
Baume, shot through the body by a rifle ball, fell mortally 
wounded; and all order and discipline being lost, flight or sub- 
mission was alone thought of. For my own part, whether the 
feeling arose from desperation or accident I cannot tell, but I re- 
solved not to be taken. As yet I had escaped almost unhurt, a 
slight flesh wound in the left arm having alone fallen to my share ; 
and gathering around me about thirty of my comrades, we made a 
rush where the enemy's ranks appeared weakest, and burst through. 
This done, each man made haste to shift for himself, without paus- 
ing to consider the fate of his neighbor; and losing one-third of 
our number from the enemy's fire, the remainder took refuge, in 
groups of two or three, within the forest. — Gliek, 



B. 

Among the many ballads that have been written on the subject 
of Jane McCrea's murder, is the following by Henry William 
Herbert. 

JANE McCREA. 

It was brilliant autumn time — 

The most brilliant time of all, 
"When the gorgeous woods are gleaming, 

Ere the leaves begin to fall ; 
When the maple bows are crimson, 

And the hickory shines like gold, 
And the noons are sultry hot, 

And the nights are frosty cold. 

When the country has no green. 

Save the sword-grass by the riil, 
And the willows in the valley, 

And the pine upon the hill ; 
When the pippin leaves the bough, 

And the sumach's fruit is red. 
And the quail is piping loud 

From the buckwheat where he fed. 



APPENDIX. 14-7 

When the sky is blue as steel, 

And the river clear as glass ; 
When the mist is on the mountain, 

And the net-work on the grass ; 
When the harvests all are housed, 

And the farmer's work is done, 
And the stubbles are deserted 

For the fox-hound and the gun. 



It was brilliant autumn time — 

When the army of the North, 
With its cannon and dragoons, 

And its riflemen, came forth ; 
Through the country all abroad 

There was spread a mighty fear 
Of the Indians in the van, 

And the Hessians in the rear. 



There was spread a mighty terror, 

And the bravest souls were faint ; 
For the shaven chiefs were mustered. 

In their scalp-locks and their paint ; 
And the forest was alive — 

And the tramp of warrior men 
Scared the eagle from his eyry. 

And the gray wolf from his den. 

For the bold Burgoyne was marching- 

With his thousands marching down, 
To do battle with the people — 

To do battle for the crown. 
But Starke he lay at Bennington, 

By the Hoosick's waters bright, 
And Arnold and his forces 

Gathered thick on Behmus' height. 



APPEIfDIX. 

Fort Edward on the Hudson, 

It was guarded night and day, 
Bj Van Vechten and his woodmen — 

Right sturdy woodmen they ! 
Fort Edward on the Hudson, 

It was guarded day and night, 
Oh 1 but in the early morning 

It saw a bitter sight 1 

A bitter sight, and fearful, 

And a shameful deed of blood ! 
All the plain was cleared around. 

But the slopes were thick with wood 
And a mighty pine stood there, 

On the summit of the hill, 
And a bright spring rose beneath it, 

"With a low and liquid trill ; 

And a little way below. 

All with vine-boughs overrun, 
A white walled cot was sleeping — 

There that shameful deed was done ! 
Oh ! it was the blythest morning 

In the brilliant autumn time ; 
The sun shone never brighter. 

When the year was in its prime. 

But a maiden fair was weeping 

In that cottage day by day, 
"Wo she was, and worn with watching 

For her truelove far away. 
He was bearing noble arms, 

Noble arms for England's king ! 
She was waiting, sad and tearful. 

Near the pine tree, near the spring 1 



APPENDIX. 149 

Weaiy waiting for his coining — 

Yet she feared not ; for she knew 
That her lover's name would guard her. 

That her lover's heart was true. 
True he was ; nor did forget, 

As he marched the wildwoods through, 
Her to whom his troth was plighted 

By the Hudson's waters blue. 



He bethought him of the madness 

And the fury of the strife ; 
He bethought him of the peril 

To that dear and precious life. 
So he called an Indian chief, 

In his paint and war-array — 
Oh ! it was a cursed thought. 

And it was a luckless day. 



" Go I" he said, " and seek my lady, 

By Fort Edward, where she lies ; 
Have her hither to the camp 1 

She shall prove a worthy prize !" 
And he charged him with a letter, 

With a letter to his dear. 
Bidding her to follow freely, 

And that she should nothing fear. 

Lightly, brightly, rose the sun ; 

High his heart, and full of mirth ; 
Gray and gloomy closed the night; 

Steamy mists bedewed the earth. 
Thence he never ceased to sorrow. 

Till his tedious life was o'er — 
For that night he thought to see her 

But he never saw her more. 



150 APPENDIX. 

Bj the pine tree on the hill, 

Armed men were at their post, 
While the early sun was low, 

Watching for the royal host. 
Came a rifle's sudden crack ! 

Rose a wild and fearful yell ! 
Rushed the Indians from the brake ! 

Fled the guard, or fought and fell ! 

Fought and fell 1 and fiercely o'er them 

Rose the hideous death-halloo ! 
One alone was spared of all — 

Wounded he, and pinioned too ! 
He it was the deed that saw, 

As he lay the spring beside — 
Had his manly arm been free, 

He had saved her, or had died I 

Dp the hill he saw them lead her, 

And she followed free from fear — 
And her beauty blazed the brighter, 

As she deemed her lover near — 
He could read the joyous hope 

Sparkling in her sunny eyes — 
Lo ! the sudden strife ! the rage I 

They are battling for the prize ! 

Guns are brandished — knives are drawn 1 

Flashed the death-shot, flew the ball! 
By the chief, who should have saved her. 

Did the lovely victim fall. 
Fell, and breathed her lover's name, 

Blessed him with her latest sigh, 
Happier than he surviving. 

Happier was she to die. 



APPENDIX. 151 

Then the frantic savage seized her 

By the long and flowing hair, 
Bared the keen and deadly knife, 

Whirled aloft the tresses fair — 
Yelled in triumph, and retreated, 

Bearing off that trophy dread — 
Think of him who sent them forth ! 

Who received it — reeking red ! 

He received it, cold as stone. 

With a ghastly stupid stare, 
Shook not, sighed not, questioned not — 

Oh! he knew that yellow hair I 
And he never smiled again, 

Nor was ever seen to weep; 
And he never spoke to name her, 

Save when muttering in his sleep 1 

Yet he did his duty well. 

With a chill and cheerless heart ; 
But he never seemed to know it. 

Though he played a soldier's part. 
Years he lived — for grief kills not — 

But his very life was dead; 
Scarcely died he any more 

When the clay was o'er his head ! 

Would ye farther learn of her ? 

Visit then the fatal spot ! 
There no monument they raised. 

Storied stones they sculptured not ; 
But the mighty pine is there — 

Go, and ye may see it still, 
Gray and ghostly, but erect, 

On the summit of the hill : 



152 APPENDIX. 

And the little fount wells out, 

Cold and clear, beneath its shade, 
Cold and clear, as when beside it 

Fell that young and lovely maid. 
These shall witness for the tale, 

How, on that accursed day, 
Beauty, innocence, and youth 

Died in hapless Jane McRea ! 



c. 

REPORT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN REFERENCE 
TO THE CLAIM OF DAVID JONES. 

To the Hon. the Assembly of the State of New York, d:c. (Sec. d'c. : 

The Attorney General of the State, to whom was referred, by a 
resolution of the said Assembly, the memorial of David Jones, with 
instructions to examine the claim therein set forth, and report the 
same with his opinion to the Legislature, the said resolution being 
accompanied by the report of the judiciary committee of the As- 
sembly upon the subject, having examined the proofs, chiefly docu- 
mentary, in relation to the case, and given them due attention, 
submits for the consideration of the Legislature, in compliance 
with the said resolution, the following report, in reference to facts 
connected with the case, embracing his opinion thereupon : 

It appears that, in the month of April, 1780, an indictment was 
preferred against Daniel Jones, the late father of the memorialist, 
for adhering to the enemies of this State, upon which a judgment 
was rendered against him by the Supreme Court of the State, on 
the 14th day of July, 1783, as is manifest by the record thereof re- 
maining in the said court ; by which judgment it was considered 
that the said Daniel Jones forfeited all his estate, both real and 
personal, to the people of this State. 

It also appears that subsequently thereto, in the year 1788, the 
commissioners of forfeitures proceeded to the sale of 2,176 acres of 
land, in the townships of Kingsbury and Queensbury, in this State, 



APPENDIX. 153 

as belonging to the said Daniel Jones, which also is made naani- 
fest by the record of the proceedings of the said commissioners, in 
relation to the sale of land forfeited by the said Daniel Jones. 

By the treaty of peace of 1*783, between Great Britain and the 
United States, which was signed in November, 1782, and, accord- 
ing to the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, came 
into operation on the 20th January, 1783, it was agreed that there 
should be no future confiscations for or by reason of the part 
which any person might have taken in the war ; and that no per- 
son should, on that account, suffer any future loss or damage 
either in his person, liberty, or property, or meet with any lawful 
impediment in the prosecution of his just claims ; and, it having 
been decided by the Supreme Court of this State, as well as by 
that of the United States, that a judgment entered after that date 
in similar cases, is void, as being against the treaty, — it follows that 
the judgment rendered against Daniel Jones, in the case alluded to 
and now under consideration, must also have been void, the act of 
rendition having been consummated several months after the treaty 
took effect. 

The Supreme Court of the United States having also, in several 
instances, decided that State acts impairing the effect of that 
treaty were inoperative and void ; and that the treaty had the 
effect of protecting the titles of British subjects to lands, as they 
then existed ; and that the 9th Article of the treaty of 1794 com- 
pletely confirmed them, rendering them indefeasible ; the title of 
Daniel Jones to the land in question was, therefore, not affected by 
the proceedings alluded to, but continued to be held by him during 
his natural life, and was secured to his heir and devisee, by virtue 
of the latter treaty, the 9th article of which being, by the 28th ar- 
ticle thereof, made permanent. The said 9th article of this treaty 
contains the following stipulation : " It is agreed that British sub- 
jects who now hold lands in the territories of the United States, 
and American citizens who now hold lands in the dominions of his 
Majesty, shall continue to hold them, according to the nature and 
tenure of their respective estates and titles therein ; and may grant, 
sell, or devise the same to whom they please, in like manner as if 
they were natives ; and that neither they nor their heirs or as- 



154 APPENDIX. 

signs shall, so far as may respect the said lands, and the legal 
remedies incident thereto, be regarded as aliens. By the 28th ar- 
ticle of the same treaty, " it is agreed that the first ten articles of 
this treaty shall be permanent." 

It is proper, here, to remark that if any legislative act could 
restrict the operation of the 9th article of the treaty of 1794, as to 
time, it could, upon the same undefined principle, alter the nature 
and tenure of the titles thereby secured and made permanent ; and 
also, render alienage available as a defense, and thus render the 
treaty inoperative and void. 

It may not be inappropriate to the occasion to observe that it 
has been decided by the Supreme Court of the United States, that 
the act of this State limiting the period for bringing claims and 
prosecutions against forfeited estates, passed in 1Y97, does not ap- 
ply to the case of the heir of one whose property had been forfeited 
and sold, to recover the land which belonged to his ancestor, but 
to others whose property might have been sold as belonging to the 
party whose estate had been forfeited ; but even if it did apply in 
the case of a valid attainder, it could not operate against a treaty, 
in support of an invalid one. It has also been judicially decided 
that a claim for compensation, by the tenant, for improvements 
upon land the title to which was protected by the treaty of 1783, 
is inadmissible. 

The supremacy of a treaty being admitted, and also recognized 
by the Constitution of the General and State governments respec- 
tively, and it being laid down as a principle acknowledged and 
confirmed by judicial decisions, that whenever a right grows out 
of or is protected by a treaty, it is sanctioned, and prevails against 
all the laws and judicial decisions of the States, and that whoever 
may have this right is protected, — the case of the memorialist is di- 
vested of all difficulty, and his right, being secured and confirmed 
by a principle paramount in its tendency, must be respected. 

The claim in question, founded as it is upon a right protected 
and secured by the paramount authority of two treaties, forms a 
tower of strength based upon the faith of a great nation, against 
which even the waves of legislation may beat in vain ; for it must 
be defended on the ground of national honor. 



APPENDIX. 155 

From such premises the conclusion is inevitable, that the claim 
in question is valid — the title of the memorialist to the land sold 
as forfeited by his late father, under the circumstances herein nar- 
rated, beyond dispute ; but it by no means follows that the case 
requires the interference of the Legislature. If the petitioner's 
title to the land is good, his remedy is by ejectment to recover 
possession of it; and in case he is successful, the rule is well estab- 
lished that the State must refund to its grantees the consideration 
paid, with interest. The power to do this justice is already pos- 
sessed by the State officers, rendering legislation on the subject un- 
necessary. 



> 



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R H IT O Ifl U T I O N . 

The Subscriber, being censured through the public Prints for cutting down 

and importuned by his friends, presents to the public elegant Canes and Boxes 
manufactured from this world-renowned tree, believing that an event fraught 
with so much interest, being connected with the Revolution and Independence of 
our Country, that they will meet with a hearty response from every American. 
A Case containing Caues and Boxes 

May be seen at the Crystal Palace, 

and are for Sale at the following places in this City: 

LEARY & Co., Hatters, Astor Mouse, Broadway ^N. Y.; 
also on Forty-first St., South side of Palace. 

All other parties oifering Canes for sale, representing them to be made from the 
renowned Jane McCrea Tree, are counterfeits, and will be dealt with accordingly. 

I certify that I am owner of the land on which grew the tree known as the Jane McCrea Tree, at 
Fort Edward, Washington County, N. Y. The tree died in 1849, and was cut down during the win- 
ter of 1853, and was sent to the shop of J. M. Burdick, to be manufactured into Canes and Boxes. 
Each article and piece having this Engraving upon it is part of the same tree. Geo. HARVEY. 

All Orders may be addressed to the Subscriber, at Fort Edward, Wash. 
Co., N. Y. GEO. HAEVEY. 

J. IVI. BUfiLOICK, Travelius Agent. 



REFERENCES. 

We have known Mr Harvey for years as a reputable merchant, and late Cashier 
of the Bank of Fort Edward, and have the fullest confidence to believe what he 
says is true. 

FEEELAND, STUART & Co. I J. P. CEONKHITE, 54 Exchange Place. 
F. LEAKE, Am. Ex. Bank. | B. MURRAY, Jan., ^551 Ca-sh. Am. Ex. Bank. 

New York, July 28, 1853. 



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